Methods for producing an immune response to tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Methods for producing an immune response to  Mycobacterium tuberculosis  (Mtb) are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb. Pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of tuberculosis are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/894,051, filed Sep. 29, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/282,865, filed Sep. 12, 2008, no issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,299, which is the U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/US2007/006472, filed Mar. 14, 2007, which was published in English under PCT Article 21(2), which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/782,364, filed Mar. 14, 2006. All of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with United States government support pursuant to Grant No. NIH-R01-AI48090 and Grant No. NIH NIAID HHSN266200400081C N01-AI-40081 from the National Institutes of Health. This invention was also made with support from the Department of Veteran's Affairs. The United States government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of immunology, more specifically to methods for the production of an immune response to tuberculosis antigens.

BACKGROUND

Mycobacteria are a genus of aerobic intracellular bacterial organisms that, upon infection of a host, survive within endosomal compartments of monocytes and macrophages. Human mycobacterial diseases include tuberculosis (caused by M. tuberculosis), leprosy (caused by M. leprae), Bairnsdale ulcers (caused by M. ulcerans), and various infections caused by M. marinum, M. kansasii, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. xenopi, M. fortuitum, M. chelonei, M. haemophilum and M. intracellulare (see Wolinsky, E., Chapter 37 in Microbiology: Including Immunology and Molecular Genetics, 3rd Ed., Harper & Row, Philadelphia, 1980).

One third of the world's population harbors M. tuberculosis and is at risk for developing tuberculosis (TB). In immunocompromised patients, tuberculosis is increasing at a nearly logarithmic rate, and multidrug resistant strains are appearing. In addition, Mycobacterial strains which were previously considered to be nonpathogenic strains (e.g., M. avium) have now become major killers of immunosuppressed AIDS patients. Moreover, current Mycobacterial vaccines are either inadequate (such as the BCG vaccine for M. tuberculosis) or unavailable (such as for M. leprae) (Kaufmann, S., Microbiol. Sci. 4:324-328, 1987; U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, The Continuing Challenge of Tuberculosis, pp. 62-67, OTA-H-574, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1993).

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells are critical for the effective control of Mtb infection. In the mouse model, passive transfer of CD4⁺ T cells to sublethally irradiated animals renders them less susceptible to Mtb infection (Orme, J Immunol. 140:3589-3593, 1988). Mice in which the gene(s) for CD4 (CD4^(−/−)) or for MHC Class II molecules are disrupted as well as wild-type mice depleted of CD4⁺ T cells demonstrate increased susceptibility to Mtb infection (Flory et al., J Leukoc Biol. 51:225-229, 1992). In humans, human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals are exquisitely susceptible to developing tuberculosis (TB) after exposure to Mtb, supporting an essential role for CD4⁺ T cells (Hirsch et al., J Infect Dis. 180:2069-2073, 1999). CD8⁺ T cells are also important for effective T cell immunity (see Lazarevic and Flynn, Am J Respir. Crit Care Med. 166:1116-1121, 2002). In humans, Mtb-specific CD8⁺ T cells have been identified in Mtb-infected individuals and include CD8⁺ T cells that are both classically HLA-Ia restricted (see, for example, Lewinsohn et al., J Immunol. 165:925-930, 2000) and nonclassically restricted by the HLA-Ib molecules HLA-E (Lewinsohn et al., J Exp Med 187:1633-1640, 1998). However, there are no vaccines or therapeutic strategies that effectively induce an immune response, such as a CD8 response, to Mtb. Thus, a need remains for agents that can produce an immune response to Mtb that can be used for treatment and/or protection from an Mtb infection.

SUMMARY

Methods for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are disclosed herein. Methods for treating an Mtb infection, or preventing an Mtb infection in a subject, are also disclosed herein. The Mtb infection can be latent or active.

In several embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises at least one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12. In additional embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide comprising at least nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of at least one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb.

Isolated polypeptides are described herein that include nine to twenty consecutive amino acids of at least one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, wherein the nine to twenty consecutive amino acids specifically bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, wherein the isolated polypeptide does not include any of the full length amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-12. Nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, vectors including these nucleic acids, host cells including these nucleic acids, and immunogenic compositions including these polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including a therapeutically effective amount of these polypeptides, nucleic acids, and/or host cells are also described.

The foregoing and other features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is two graphs showing the determination of human effector cell frequencies ex vivo using the IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. Magnetic bead-purified CD8⁺ T cells were cultured with DC (20,000/well) either infected with Mtb (H37Rv, MOI=50) or pulsed with peptide pool representing CFP10 (5 μg/ml each peptide; 15-mers overlap 11 aa) in an IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. Each responding T cell population was tested in duplicate at four different cell concentrations. To determine the effector cell frequency of antigen-specific T cells, the average number of spots per well for each duplicate was plotted against the number of responder cells per well. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the slope of the line, which represents the frequency of antigen-specific T cells. The assay was considered positive (reflecting the presence of a primed T cell response), if the binomial probability for the number of spots was significantly different by experimental and control assays.

FIG. 2 is a set of graphs showing ex vivo CD8⁺ T cell frequencies to Mtb antigens are associated with Mtb infection. As described above (see FIG. 1), to determine ex vivo CD8⁺ T cell frequencies, autologous DC either infected with Mtb or pulsed with cognate peptide pools were incubated with CD8⁺ T cells in an IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. Subjects without evidence for Mtb infection, those with LTBI, and those with active TB (culture confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis) were evaluated. “Mtb Infected” includes those with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and active tuberculosis. P values are noted where P=<0.05 (Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis).

FIGS. 3 a to 3 d are a set of digital images showing the definition of Antigenic Specificity and HLA-Restriction (the characterization of T cell clone D466 D6). For the results shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 c, to identify the antigen and minimal epitope recognized by T cell clone, D466 D6, T-cells (5000 cells/well) were incubated with autologous LCL (20,000/well) and 5 μg/ml of antigen. IFN-γ was assessed by ELISPOT after eighteen hours of co-culture. For the results presented in FIG. 3 a, antigens consisted of peptide pools representing known CD4⁺ antigens, made up of 15 amino acid (aa) peptides overlapping by 11 aa. For the results presented in FIG. 3 b, antigens consisted of individual 15 aa CFP10 peptides that together constitute the peptide pool. For the results presented in FIG. 3 c, antigens consisted of individual nested CFP10₁₋₁₅ peptides (10 aa, 9 aa or 8 aa), used to further map the epitope. For the results presented in FIG. 3 d, the restricting allele was identified using LCL (20,000/well) expressing HLA alleles matching D466 at one or two alleles, pulsed with CFP10₂₋₁₀ (5 μg/ml) as APC. After 2 hours, cells were washed and incubated with T-cells (500 cells/well) in an IFN-γ ELISPOT assay.

FIG. 4 is a line graph showing the confirmation of minimal epitope mapping of D466 D6. To confirm the minimal epitope, autologous LCL (20,000/well) was pulsed with peptide at the concentration indicated and co-cultured with T-cells (1000 cells/well). IFN-γ was assessed by ELISPOT after eighteen hours co-culture. Each point represents the mean of duplicate determinations.

FIG. 5 is a set of bar graphs showing the profiling of the immunodominance pattern for CFP10. To determine the effector cell frequencies, autologous DC (20,000/well) were pulsed either with each individual 15-mer peptide (5 μg/ml), the peptide pool (PP; 5 μg/each peptide) or the minimal epitope (ME) determined from T cell clones derived from each donor (D466:CFP10₂₋₁₁; D480:CFP10₃₋₁₁; D481:CFP10₇₅₋₈₃; 5 μg/ml), and tested against 250,000 magnetic bead purified CD8⁺ T cells. IFN-γ release was assessed by ELISPOT after eighteen hours of co-culture. Each point represents the mean of duplicate determinations.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are sets of graphs summarizing the minimal epitope mapping data. To determine the minimal epitope, autologous LCL (20,000/well) was pulsed with peptide at the concentration indicated and co-cultured with T-cells (1000 cells/well). IFN-γ was assessed by ELISPOT after eighteen hours co-culture. Each point represents the mean of duplicate determinations.

FIG. 7 is a line graph showing the mapping of Minimal Epitope for D504 Clones. To determine the minimal epitope, autologous LCL (20,000/well) was co-cultured with T-cell clones (1,000 cells/well) and the peptide at the concentration indicated. IFN-γ was assessed by ELISPOT after eighteen hours co-culture. Each point represents the mean of duplicate determinations.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing is submitted as an ASCII text file [899-77364-30_Sequence_Listing.txt, Dec. 19, 2011, 84.4 KB], which is incorporated by reference herein.

The nucleic and amino acid sequences listed in the accompanying sequence listing are shown using standard letter abbreviations for nucleotide bases, and three letter code for amino acids, as defined in 37 C.F.R. 1.822. Only one strand of each nucleic acid sequence is shown, but the complementary strand is understood as included by any reference to the displayed strand. In the accompanying sequence listing:

SEQ ID NOs: 1-12 are the amino acid sequence of Mtb polypeptides.

SEQ ID NOs: 13-14 are amino acids of Mtb peptides.

SEQ ID NOs: 15-25 are the nucleic acid sequences of polynucleotides encoding the Mtb polypeptides.

SEQ ID NOs: 26-38 are the amino acid sequences of specific Mtb epitopes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb. Pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of tuberculosis are also disclosed.

Terms

Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage. Definitions of common terms in molecular biology may be found in Benjamin Lewin, Genes V, published by Oxford University Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-19-854287-9); Kendrew et al. (eds.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9); and Robert A. Meyers (ed.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8).

In order to facilitate review of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the following explanations of specific terms are provided:

Adjuvant: A vehicle used to enhance antigenicity. Adjuvants include a suspension of minerals (alum, aluminum hydroxide, or phosphate) on which antigen is adsorbed; or water-in-oil emulsion in which antigen solution is emulsified in mineral oil (Freund incomplete adjuvant), sometimes with the inclusion of killed mycobacteria (Freund's complete adjuvant) to further enhance antigenicity (inhibits degradation of antigen and/or causes influx of macrophages). Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides (such as those including a CpG motif) can also be used as adjuvants (for example see U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,388; U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,646; U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,806; U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,371; U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,116; U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,068; U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,705; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,199). Adjuvants include biological molecules (a “biological adjuvant”), such as costimulatory molecules. Exemplary adjuvants include IL-2, RANTES, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, G-CSF, LFA-3, CD72, B7-1, B7-2, OX-40L and 41 BBL.

Antigen: A compound, composition, or substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies or a T cell response in an animal, including compositions that are injected or absorbed into an animal. An antigen reacts with the products of specific humoral or cellular immunity, including those induced by heterologous immunogens. The term “antigen” includes all related antigenic epitopes. “Epitope” or “antigenic determinant” refers to a site on an antigen to which B and/or T cells respond. In one embodiment, T cells respond to the epitope, when the epitope is presented in conjunction with an MHC molecule. Epitopes can be formed both from contiguous amino acids or noncontiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of a protein. Generally, T cells recognize epitopes of continuous amino acids. Epitopes formed from contiguous amino acids are typically retained on exposure to denaturing solvents whereas epitopes formed by tertiary folding are typically lost on treatment with denaturing solvents. An epitope typically includes at least 3, and more usually, at least 5, about 9, or about 8-10 amino acids in a unique spatial conformation. Methods of determining spatial conformation of epitopes include, for example, x-ray crystallography and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.

An antigen can be a tissue-specific antigen, or a disease-specific antigen. These terms are not exclusive, as a tissue-specific antigen can also be a disease specific antigen. A tissue-specific antigen is expressed in a limited number of tissues, such as a single tissue. A tissue specific antigen may be expressed by more than one related type of tissue, such as alveolar and bronchial tissue. A disease-specific antigen is expressed coincidentally with a disease process. Specific non-limiting examples of a disease-specific antigen are an antigen whose expression correlates with, or is predictive of, tuberculosis. A disease-specific antigen can be an antigen recognized by T cells or B cells.

Amplification: Of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., a DNA or RNA molecule) refers to use of a technique that increases the number of copies of a nucleic acid molecule in a specimen. An example of amplification is the polymerase chain reaction, in which a biological sample collected from a subject is contacted with a pair of oligonucleotide primers, under conditions that allow for the hybridization of the primers to a nucleic acid template in the sample. The primers are extended under suitable conditions, dissociated from the template, and then re-annealed, extended, and dissociated to amplify the number of copies of the nucleic acid. The product of amplification can be characterized by electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns, oligonucleotide hybridization or ligation, and/or nucleic acid sequencing using standard techniques. Other examples of amplification include strand displacement amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,311; transcription-free isothermal amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,881; repair chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in WO 90/01069; ligase chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in EP-A-320 308; gap filling ligase chain reaction amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,930; and NASBA™ RNA transcription-free amplification, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,134.

Antibody: Immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen.

A naturally occurring antibody (e.g., IgG, IgM, IgD) includes four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. However, it has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a naturally occurring antibody. Thus, these antigen-binding fragments are also intended to be designated by the term “antibody.” Specific, non-limiting examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term antibody include (i) a Fab fragment consisting of the V_(L), V_(H), C_(L) and C_(H1) domains; (ii) an F_(d) fragment consisting of the V_(H) and C_(H1) domains; (iii) an Fv fragment consisting of the V_(L) and V_(H) domains of a single arm of an antibody, (iv) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., Nature 341:544-546, 1989) which consists of a V_(H) domain; (v) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR); and (vi) a F(ab′)₂ fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region.

Immunoglobulins and certain variants thereof are known and many have been prepared in recombinant cell culture (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,055; U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,487; WO 88/03565; EP 256,654; EP 120,694; EP 125,023; Faoulkner et al., Nature 298:286, 1982; Morrison, J. Immunol. 123:793, 1979; Morrison et al., Ann Rev. Immunol 2:239, 1984).

Animal: Living multi-cellular vertebrate organisms, a category that includes, for example, mammals and birds. The term mammal includes both human and non-human mammals. Similarly, the term “subject” includes both human and veterinary subjects.

Antigen presenting cell (APC): A cell that can present an antigen to a T cell, such that the T cells are activated. Dendritic cells are the principle antigen presenting cells (APCs) involved in primary immune responses. Their major function is to obtain antigen in tissues, migrate to lymphoid organs and present the antigen in order to activate T cells.

When an appropriate maturational cue is received, dendritic cells are signaled to undergo rapid morphological and physiological changes that facilitate the initiation and development of immune responses. Among these are the up-regulation of molecules involved in antigen presentation; production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, key to the generation of Th1 responses; and secretion of chemokines that help to drive differentiation, expansion, and migration of surrounding naive Th cells. Collectively, these up-regulated molecules facilitate the ability of dendritic cells to coordinate the activation and effector function of other surrounding lymphocytes that ultimately provide protection for the host.

cDNA (complementary DNA): A piece of DNA lacking internal, non-coding segments (introns) and regulatory sequences that determine transcription. cDNA is synthesized in the laboratory by reverse transcription from messenger RNA extracted from cells.

CD4: Cluster of differentiation factor 4, a T cell surface protein that mediates interaction with the MHC Class II molecule. CD4 also serves as the primary receptor site for HIV on T cells during HIV infection. Cells that express CD4 are often helper T cells.

CD8: Cluster of differentiation factor 8, a T cell surface protein that mediates interaction with the MHC Class I molecule. Cells that express CD8 are often cytotoxic T cells. “CD8+ T cell mediated immunity” is an immune response implemented by presentation of antigens to CD8+ T cells.

cDNA (complementary DNA): A piece of DNA lacking internal, non-coding segments (introns) and regulatory sequences that determine transcription. cDNA is synthesized in the laboratory by reverse transcription from messenger RNA extracted from cells.

Conservative variants: “Conservative” amino acid substitutions are those substitutions that do not substantially affect or decrease an activity or antigenicity of the Mycobacterium polypeptide. Specific, non-limiting examples of a conservative substitution include the following examples:

Original Residue Conservative Substitutions Ala Ser Arg Lys Asn Gln, His Asp Glu Cys Ser Gln Asn Glu Asp His Asn; Gln Ile Leu, Val Leu Ile; Val Lys Arg; Gln; Glu Met Leu; Ile Phe Met; Leu; Tyr Ser Thr Thr Ser Trp Tyr Tyr Trp; Phe Val Ile; Leu

The term conservative variation also includes the use of a substituted amino acid in place of an unsubstituted parent amino acid, provided that antibodies raised to the substituted polypeptide also immunoreact with the unsubstituted polypeptide, or that an immune response can be generated against the substituted polypeptide that is similar to the immune response against and unsubstituted polypeptide, such a Mycobacterium antigen. Thus, in one embodiment, non-conservative substitutions are those that reduce an activity or antigenicity.

Consists Essentially Of/Consists Of: With regard to a polypeptide, a polypeptide that consists essentially of a specified amino acid sequence if it does not include any additional amino acid residues. However, the polypeptide can include additional non-peptide components, such as labels (for example, fluorescent, radioactive, or solid particle labels), sugars or lipids. With regard to a polypeptide, a polypeptide that consists of a specified amino acid sequence does not include any additional amino acid residues, nor does it include additional non-peptide components, such as lipids, sugars or labels.

Contacting: The process of incubating one agent in the presence of another. Thus, when a cell is contacted with an agent, the cell is incubated with the agent for a sufficient period of time for the agent and the cell to interact.

Costimulatory molecule: Although engagement of the TCR with peptide-MHC delivers one signal to the T cell, this signal alone can be insufficient to activate the T cell. Costimulatory molecules are molecules that, when bound to their ligand, deliver a second signal required for the T cell to become activated. The most well-known costimulatory molecule on the T cell is CD28, which binds to either B7-1 (also called CD80) or B7-2 (also known as CD86). An additional costimulatory molecule is B7-3. Accessory molecules that also provide a second signal for the activation of T cells include intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1 and ICAM-2), and leukocyte function associated antigen (LFA-1, LFA-2 and LFA-3). Integrins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members can also serve as co-stimulatory molecules.

Cytokine: Proteins made by cells that affect the behavior of other cells, such as lymphocytes. In one embodiment, a cytokine is a chemokine, a molecule that affects cellular trafficking. Specific, non-limiting examples of cytokines include the interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-21, etc.), and IFN-γ.

Degenerate variant: A polynucleotide encoding an epitope of an Mtb polypeptide that includes a sequence that is degenerate as a result of the genetic code. There are 20 natural amino acids, most of which are specified by more than one codon. Therefore, all degenerate nucleotide sequences are included in this disclosure as long as the amino acid sequence of the Mtb polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence is unchanged.

Dendritic cell (DC): Dendritic cells are the principle antigen presenting cells (APCs) involved in primary immune responses. Dendritic cells include plasmacytoid dendritic cells and myeloid dendritic cells. Their major function is to obtain antigen in tissues, migrate to lymphoid organs and present the antigen in order to activate T cells. Immature dendritic cells originate in the bone marrow and reside in the periphery as immature cells.

Diagnostic: Identifying the presence or nature of a pathologic condition, such as, but not limited to, tuberculosis. Diagnostic methods differ in their sensitivity and specificity. The “sensitivity” of a diagnostic assay is the percentage of diseased individuals who test positive (percent of true positives). The “specificity” of a diagnostic assay is 1 minus the false positive rate, where the false positive rate is defined as the proportion of those without the disease who test positive. While a particular diagnostic method may not provide a definitive diagnosis of a condition, it suffices if the method provides a positive indication that aids in diagnosis. “Prognostic” means predicting the probability of development (for example, severity) of a pathologic condition, such as tuberculosis.

Displaying: The process of localizing a peptide:antigen complex, or a peptide, on the outer surface of a cell where the peptide:antigen complex or peptide is accessible to a second cell, molecules displayed by a second cell, or soluble factors. A peptide, or a peptide:antigen complex, is “displayed” by a cell when it is present on the outer surface of the cell and is accessible to a second cell, to molecules displayed by the second cell, or to soluble factors.

Epitope: An antigenic determinant. These are particular chemical groups or peptide sequences on a molecule that are antigenic, i.e. that elicit a specific immune response. An antibody specifically binds a particular antigenic epitope on a polypeptide, such a Mycobacterium polypeptide.

Expression Control Sequences: Nucleic acid sequences that regulate the expression of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence to which it is operatively linked. Expression control sequences are operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence when the expression control sequences control and regulate the transcription and, as appropriate, translation of the nucleic acid sequence. Thus expression control sequences can include appropriate promoters, enhancers, transcription terminators, a start codon (i.e., ATG) in front of a protein-encoding gene, splicing signal for introns, maintenance of the correct reading frame of that gene to permit proper translation of mRNA, and stop codons. The term “control sequences” is intended to include, at a minimum, components whose presence can influence expression, and can also include additional components whose presence is advantageous, for example, leader sequences and fusion partner sequences. Expression control sequences can include a promoter.

A promoter is a minimal sequence sufficient to direct transcription. Also included are those promoter elements which are sufficient to render promoter-dependent gene expression controllable for cell-type specific, tissue-specific, or inducible by external signals or agents; such elements may be located in the 5′ or 3′ regions of the gene. Both constitutive and inducible promoters, are included (see e.g., Bitter et al., Methods in Enzymology 153:516-544, 1987). For example, when cloning in bacterial systems, inducible promoters such as pL of bacteriophage lambda, plac, ptrp, ptac (ptrp-lac hybrid promoter) and the like may be used. In one embodiment, when cloning in mammalian cell systems, promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g., the retrovirus long terminal repeat; the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter) can be used. Promoters produced by recombinant DNA or synthetic techniques may also be used to provide for transcription of the nucleic acid sequences. In one embodiment, the promoter is a cytomegalovirus promoter.

Fractionating: Subjecting a sample to conditions or procedures which separate the components of the sample based on physical or chemical properties such as, but not limited to, size, charge, solubility, or composition. Example of fractionation procedures include, but are not limited to, selective precipitation, organic extraction, size exclusion dialysis or chromatography, such as ion exchange chromatography. In one embodiment, a fraction is a soluble extract or an organic extract of an organism, such as a Mycobacterium.

Functionally Equivalent: Sequence alterations, such as in an epitope of an antigen, that yield the same results as described herein. Such sequence alterations can include, but are not limited to, conservative substitutions, deletions, mutations, frameshifts, and insertions.

Heterologous: Originating from separate genetic sources or species. A polypeptide that is heterologous to an Mtb polypeptide originates from a nucleic acid that does not encode the Mtb polypeptide. In one specific, non-limiting example, a polypeptide comprising nine consecutive amino acids from an Mtb polypeptide, or at most 20 consecutive amino acids from the Mtb polypeptide, and a heterologous amino acid sequence includes β-galactosidase, a maltose binding protein, albumin, hepatitis B surface antigen, or an immunoglobulin amino acid sequence. Generally, an antibody that specifically binds to a protein of interest will not specifically bind to a heterologous protein.

Host cells: Cells in which a vector can be propagated and its DNA expressed. The cell may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The cell can be mammalian, such as a human cell. The term also includes any progeny of the subject host cell. It is understood that all progeny may not be identical to the parental cell since there may be mutations that occur during replication. However, such progeny are included when the term “host cell” is used.

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA): A genetic designation of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Individual loci are designated by uppercase letters, as in HLA-E, and alleles are designated by numbers, as in HLA-A*0201. The three main MHC class I genes are called HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. However, there are many genes that encode β2 microglobulin-associated cell surface molecules that are linked to the MHC class I genes. The expression of these genes is variable, both in the tissue distribution and the amount expressed on cells; these genes have been termed the MHC class IB genes.

Immune response: A response of a cell of the immune system, such as a B cell, natural killer cell, or a T cell, to a stimulus. In one embodiment, the response is specific for a particular antigen (an “antigen-specific response”). In one embodiment, an immune response is a T cell response, such as a Th1, Th2, or Th3 response. In another embodiment, an immune response is a response of a suppressor T cell.

Immunogenic peptide: A peptide which comprises an allele-specific motif or other sequence such that the peptide will bind an MHC molecule and induce a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (“CTL”) response, or a B cell response (e.g. antibody production) against the antigen from which the immunogenic peptide is derived.

In one embodiment, immunogenic peptides are identified using sequence motifs or other methods, such as neural net or polynomial determinations, known in the art. Typically, algorithms are used to determine the “binding threshold” of peptides to select those with scores that give them a high probability of binding at a certain affinity and will be immunogenic. The algorithms are based either on the effects on MHC binding of a particular amino acid at a particular position, the effects on antibody binding of a particular amino acid at a particular position, or the effects on binding of a particular substitution in a motif-containing peptide. Within the context of an immunogenic peptide, a “conserved residue” is one which appears in a significantly higher frequency than would be expected by random distribution at a particular position in a peptide. In one embodiment, a conserved residue is one where the MHC structure may provide a contact point with the immunogenic peptide.

Immunogenic peptides can also be identified by measuring their binding to a specific MHC protein and by their ability to stimulate CD4 and/or CD8 when presented in the context of the MHC protein.

In one example, an immunogenic “Mtb peptide” is a series of contiguous amino acid residues from the Mtb protein generally between 9 and 20 amino acids in length, such as about 9 to 12 residues in length. Specific immunogenic polypeptides are disclosed herein that are 9 or 10 amino acid residues in length, or at most 12 amino acids in length. Generally, immunogenic Mtb polypeptides can be used to induce an immune response in a subject, such as a B cell response or a T cell response. In one example, an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide, when bound to a MHC Class I molecule, activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against Mtb. Induction of CTLs using synthetic peptides and CTL cytotoxicity assays are known in the art, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,907, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one example, an immunogenic peptide includes an allele-specific motif or other sequence such that the peptide will bind an MHC molecule and induce a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (“CTL”) response against the antigen from which the immunogenic peptide is derived.

Immunogenic composition: A composition comprising an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the immunogenic Mtb polypeptide that induces a measurable CTL response against Mtb, or induces a measurable B cell response (such as production of antibodies that specifically bind an Mtb polypeptide). For in vitro use, the immunogenic composition can consist of the isolated nucleic acid, vector including the nucleic acid/or immunogenic peptide. For in vivo use, the immunogenic composition will typically comprise the nucleic acid, vector including the nucleic acid, and or immunogenic polypeptide, in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and/or other agents. An immunogenic composition can optionally include an adjuvant, a costimulatory molecule, or a nucleic acid encoding a costimulatory molecule. An Mtb polypeptide, or nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, can be readily tested for its ability to induce a CTL by art-recognized assays.

Inhibiting or treating a disease: Inhibiting a disease, such as tuberculosis, refers to inhibiting the full development of a disease. In several examples, inhibiting a disease refers to lessening symptoms of a tuberculosis. “Treatment” refers to a therapeutic intervention that ameliorates a sign or symptom of a disease or pathological condition related to the disease, such as tuberculosis.

Interferon gamma (γ): IFN-γ is a dimeric protein with subunits of 146 amino acids. The protein is glycosylated at two sites, and the pI is 8.3-8.5. IFN-γ is synthesized as a precursor protein of 166 amino acids including a secretory signal sequence of 23 amino acids. Two molecular forms of the biologically active protein of 20 and 25 kDa have been described. Both of them are glycosylated at position 25. The 25 kDa form is also glycosylated at position 97. The observed differences of natural IFN-γ with respect to molecular mass and charge are due to variable glycosylation patterns. 40-60 kDa forms observed under non-denaturing conditions are dimers and tetramers of IFN-γ. The human gene has a length of approximately 6 kb. It contains four exons and maps to chromosome 12q24.1.

IFN-γ can be detected by sensitive immunoassays, such as an ELISPOT test that allows detection of individual cells producing IFN-γ. Minute amounts of IFN-γ can be detected indirectly by measuring IFN-induced proteins such as Mx protein. The induction of the synthesis of TP-10 has been used also to measure IFN-γ concentrations. In addition, bioassays can be used to detect IFN-γ, such as an assay that employs induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in 2D9 cells. The production of IFN-γ can be used to assess T cell activation, such as activation of a T cell by an HLA-E presented Mycobacterium antigen.

Isolated: An “isolated” nucleic acid has been substantially separated or purified away from other nucleic acid sequences in the cell of the organism in which the nucleic acid naturally occurs, i.e., other chromosomal and extrachromosomal DNA and RNA. The term “isolated” thus encompasses nucleic acids purified by standard nucleic acid purification methods. The term also embraces nucleic acids prepared by recombinant expression in a host cell as well as chemically synthesized nucleic acids.

Label: A detectable compound or composition that is conjugated directly or indirectly to another molecule to facilitate detection of that molecule. Specific, non-limiting examples of labels include fluorescent tags, enzymatic linkages, and radioactive isotopes.

Linker sequence: A linker sequence is an amino acid sequence that covalently links two polypeptide domains. Linker sequences can be included in between the Mtb epitopes disclosed herein to provide rotational freedom to the linked polypeptide domains and thereby to promote proper domain folding and presentation to the MHC. By way of example, in a recombinant polypeptide comprising two Mtb domains, linker sequences can be provided between them, such as a polypeptide comprising Mtb polypeptide-linker-Mtb polypeptide. Linker sequences, which are generally between 2 and 25 amino acids in length, are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, the glycine(4)-serine spacer (GGGGS x3) described by Chaudhary et al., Nature 339:394-397, 1989.

Lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that is involved in the immune defenses of the body. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells.

Mammal: This term includes both human and non-human mammals. Similarly, the term “patient” or “subject” includes both human and veterinary subjects.

Mycobacteria: A genus of aerobic intracellular bacterial organisms. Upon invasion of a host, these organisms survive within endosomal compartments of monocytes and macrophages. Human mycobacterial diseases include tuberculosis (cause by M. tuberculosis), Leprosy (caused by M. leprae), Bairnsdale ulcers (caused by M. ulcerans), and other infections that can be caused by M. marinum, M. kansasii, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. xenopi, M. fortuitum, M. haemophilum, M. chelonei, and M. intracelluare. Mycobacterium strains that were previously considered to be nonpathogenic (such as M. avium) are also now known to be major killers of immunosuppressed AIDS patients.

An immune response to mycobacteria can involve cell mediated hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions with T cells and macrophages playing major roles in the intracellular killing and walling off (or containing) of the organism (granuloma formation). A T cell response can involve CD4⁺ lymphocytes that recognize mycobacterial heat shock proteins and immunodominant antigens as well as CD8⁺ cells.

Operably linked: A first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter effects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Generally, operably linked DNA sequences are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, the open reading frames are aligned.

ORF (open reading frame): A series of nucleotide triplets (codons) coding for amino acids without any termination codons. These sequences are usually translatable into a polypeptide.

Peptide Modifications: Mycobacterium polypeptides include synthetic embodiments of peptides described herein. In addition, analogues (non-peptide organic molecules), derivatives (chemically functionalized peptide molecules obtained starting with the disclosed peptide sequences) and variants (homologs) of these proteins can be utilized in the methods described herein. Each polypeptide of the invention is comprised of a sequence of amino acids, which may be either L- and/or D-amino acids, naturally occurring and otherwise.

Peptides may be modified by a variety of chemical techniques to produce derivatives having essentially the same activity as the unmodified peptides, and optionally having other desirable properties. For example, carboxylic acid groups of the protein, whether carboxyl-terminal or side chain, may be provided in the form of a salt of a pharmaceutically-acceptable cation or esterified to form a C₁-C₁₆ ester, or converted to an amide of formula NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently H or C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, or combined to form a heterocyclic ring, such as a 5- or 6-membered ring. Amino groups of the peptide, whether amino-terminal or side chain, may be in the form of a pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salt, such as the HCl, HBr, acetic, benzoic, toluene sulfonic, maleic, tartaric and other organic salts, or may be modified to C₁-C₁₆ alkyl or dialkyl amino or further converted to an amide.

Hydroxyl groups of the peptide side chains may be converted to C₁-C₁₆ alkoxy or to a C₁-C₁₆ ester using well-recognized techniques. Phenyl and phenolic rings of the peptide side chains may be substituted with one or more halogen atoms, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, or with C₁-C₁₆ alkyl, C₁-C₁₆ alkoxy, carboxylic acids and esters thereof, or amides of such carboxylic acids. Methylene groups of the peptide side chains can be extended to homologous C₂-C₄ alkylenes. Thiols can be protected with any one of a number of well-recognized protecting groups, such as acetamide groups. Those skilled in the art will also recognize methods for introducing cyclic structures into the peptides of this invention to select and provide conformational constraints to the structure that result in enhanced stability.

Peptidomimetic and organomimetic embodiments are envisioned, whereby the three-dimensional arrangement of the chemical constituents of such peptido- and organomimetics mimic the three-dimensional arrangement of the peptide backbone and component amino acid side chains, resulting in such peptido- and organomimetics of a Mycobacterium polypeptide having measurable or enhanced ability to generate an immune response. For computer modeling applications, a pharmacophore is an idealized, three-dimensional definition of the structural requirements for biological activity. Peptido- and organomimetics can be designed to fit each pharmacophore with current computer modeling software (using computer assisted drug design or CADD). See Walters, “Computer-Assisted Modeling of Drugs”, in Klegerman & Groves, eds., 1993, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Interpharm Press: Buffalo Grove, Ill., pp. 165-174 and Principles of Pharmacology Munson (ed.) 1995, Ch. 102, for descriptions of techniques used in CADD. Also included are mimetics prepared using such techniques.

Pharmaceutical agent or drug: A chemical compound or composition capable of inducing a desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect when properly administered to a subject.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers: The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers useful with the polypeptides and nucleic acids described herein are conventional. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, by E. W. Martin, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 15th Edition (1975), describes compositions and formulations suitable for pharmaceutical delivery of the fusion proteins herein disclosed.

In general, the nature of the carrier will depend on the particular mode of administration being employed. For instance, parenteral formulations usually comprise injectable fluids that include pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable fluids such as water, physiological saline, balanced salt solutions, aqueous dextrose, glycerol or the like as a vehicle. For solid compositions (e.g., powder, pill, tablet, or capsule forms), conventional non-toxic solid carriers can include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, or magnesium stearate. In addition to biologically-neutral carriers, pharmaceutical compositions to be administered can contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives, and pH buffering agents and the like, for example sodium acetate or sorbitan monolaurate.

Polynucleotide: A linear nucleotide sequence, including sequences of greater than 100 nucleotide bases in length.

Polypeptide: Any chain of amino acids, regardless of length or post-translational modification (e.g., glycosylation or phosphorylation). A “peptide” is a chain of amino acids that is less than 100 amino acids in length. In one embodiment, a “peptide” is a portion of a polypeptide, such as at about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 contiguous amino acids of a polypeptide that is greater than 100 amino acids in length.

Portion of a nucleic acid sequence: At least 10, 20, 30 or 40 contiguous nucleotides of the relevant sequence, such as a sequence encoding an antigen. In some instances it would be advantageous to use a portion consisting of 50 or more nucleotides. For instance, when describing a portion of an antigen (such as an antigenic epitope), it may be advantageous to remove a portion of the relevant sequence comprising at least 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 nucleotides up to a length.

Probes and primers: Nucleic acid probes and primers may readily be prepared based on the nucleic acids provided by this invention. A probe comprises an isolated nucleic acid attached to a detectable label or reporter molecule. Typical labels include radioactive isotopes, ligands, chemiluminescent agents, and enzymes. Methods for labeling and guidance in the choice of labels appropriate for various purposes are discussed, e.g., in Sambrook et al. (1989) and Ausubel et al. (1987).

Primers are short nucleic acids, preferably DNA oligonucleotides 15 nucleotides or more in length. Primers may be annealed to a complementary target DNA strand by nucleic acid hybridization to form a hybrid between the primer and the target DNA strand, and then extended along the target DNA strand by a DNA polymerase enzyme. Primer pairs can be used for amplification of a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic-acid amplification methods known in the art.

Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described, for example, in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., vol. 1-3, ed. Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989, and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, ed. Ausubel et al., Greene Publishing and Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1987 (with periodic updates). PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose such as Primer (Version 0.5, © 1991, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Mass.).

Preventing or treating a disease: “Preventing” a disease refers to inhibiting the full development of a disease, for example in a person who is known to be at risk of infection with M. tuberculosis, or M. leprae. An example of a person with a known predisposition is someone living with a person diagnosed with tuberculosis, health care professionals, or someone otherwise known to have been exposed to M. tuberculosis. “Treatment” refers to a therapeutic intervention that ameliorates a sign or symptom of a disease or pathological condition, such as tuberculosis, after it has begun to develop.

Promoter: A promoter is an array of nucleic acid control sequences which direct transcription of a nucleic acid. A promoter includes necessary nucleic acid sequences near the start site of transcription, such as, in the case of a polymerase II type promoter, a TATA element. A promoter also optionally includes distal enhancer or repressor elements which can be located as much as several thousand base pairs from the start site of transcription. The promoter can be a constitutive or an inducible promoter. A specific, non-limiting example of a promoter is the HCMV IE promoter.

Purified: The term purified does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative term. Thus, for example, a purified antigen preparation is one in which the antigen is more pure than the protein in its originating environment within a cell. A preparation of an antigen is typically purified such that the antigen represents at least 50% of the total protein content of the preparation. However, more highly purified preparations may be required for certain applications. For example, for such applications, preparations in which the antigen comprises at least 75% or at least 90% of the total protein content may be employed.

Recombinant: A recombinant nucleic acid or polypeptide is one that has a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two or more otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination is often accomplished by chemical synthesis or, more commonly, by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques.

Sequence identity: The similarity between amino acid sequences is expressed in terms of the similarity between the sequences, otherwise referred to as sequence identity. Sequence identity is frequently measured in terms of percentage identity (or similarity or homology); the higher the percentage, the more similar the two sequences are. Variants of antigen polypeptides will possess a relatively high degree of sequence identity when aligned using standard methods.

Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well known in the art. Altschul et al. (1994) presents a detailed consideration of sequence alignment methods and homology calculations. The NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) (Altschul et al., 1990) is available from several sources, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, Bethesda, Md.) and on the Internet, for use in connection with the sequence analysis programs blastp, blastn, blastx, tblastn and tblastx. It can be accessed at the NCBI website. A description of how to determine sequence identity using this program is available at the NCBI website, as are the default parameters.

Variants of antigenic polypeptides, such as a Mycobacterium polypeptide, are typically characterized by possession of at least 50% sequence identity counted over the full length alignment with the amino acid sequence of a native antigen sequence using the NCBI Blast 2.0, gapped blastp set to default parameters. Proteins with even greater similarity to the reference sequences will show increasing percentage identities when assessed by this method, such as at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% sequence identity. When less than the entire sequence is being compared for sequence identity, variants will typically possess at least 75% sequence identity over short windows of 10-20 amino acids, and may possess sequence identities of at least 85% or at least 90% or 95% depending on their similarity to the reference sequence. Methods for determining sequence identity over such short windows are described at the NCBI website. Variants of MHC domain polypeptides also retain the biological activity of the native polypeptide.

Therapeutically active polypeptide: An agent, such as an epitope of Mtb that causes induction of an immune response, as measured by clinical response (such as an increase in a population of immune cells, increased cytolytic activity against Mtb, or measurable reduction of a symptom of an infection). Therapeutically active molecules can also be made from nucleic acids. Examples of a nucleic acid based therapeutically active molecule is a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Mtb epitope, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to a control element such as a promoter.

Therapeutically effective dose: A dose sufficient to prevent advancement, or to cause regression of the disease, or which is capable of relieving symptoms caused by the disease. In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective dose is a dose sufficient to prevent advancement or relieve symptoms of tuberculosis.

Transduced and Transformed: A virus or vector “transduces” a cell when it transfers nucleic acid into the cell. A cell is “transformed” by a nucleic acid transduced into the cell when the DNA becomes stably replicated by the cell, either by incorporation of the nucleic acid into the cellular genome, or by episomal replication. As used herein, the term transformation encompasses all techniques by which a nucleic acid molecule might be introduced into such a cell, including transfection with viral vectors, transformation with plasmid vectors, and introduction of naked DNA by electroporation, lipofection, and particle gun acceleration.

Tuberculosis (TB): A disease that is generally caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually infects the lungs. However, other “atypical” mycobacteria such as M. kansasii may produce a similar clinical and pathologic appearance of disease.

Transmission of M. tuberculosis occurs by the airborne route in confined areas with poor ventilation. In more than 90% of cases, following infection with M. tuberculosis, the immune system prevents development of disease from M. tuberculosis, often called, active tuberculosis. However, not all of the M. tuberculosis is killed, and thus tiny, hard capsules are formed. “Primary tuberculosis” is seen disease that develops following an initial infection, usually in children. The initial focus of infection is a small subpleural granuloma accompanied by granulomatous hilar lymph node infection. Together, these make up the Ghon complex. In nearly all cases, these granulomas resolve and there is no further spread of the infection. “Secondary tuberculosis” is seen mostly in adults as a reactivation of previous infection (or reinfection), particularly when health status declines. The granulomatous inflammation is much more florid and widespread. Typically, the upper lung lobes are most affected, and cavitation can occur. Dissemination of tuberculosis outside of lungs can lead to the appearance of a number of uncommon findings with characteristic patterns that include skeletal tuberculosis, genital tract tuberculosis, urinary tract tuberculosis, central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis, gastrointestinal tuberculosis, adrenal tuberculosis, scrofula, and cardiac tuberculosis. “Latent” tuberculosis is an Mtb infection in an individual that can be detected by a diagnostic assay, such as, but not limited to a tuberculin skin test (TST) wherein the infection does not produce symptoms in that individual. “Active” tuberculosis is a symptomatic Mtb infection in a subject.

Microscopically, the inflammation produced with TB infection is granulomatous, with epithelioid macrophages and Langhans giant cells along with lymphocytes, plasma cells, maybe a few polymorphonuclear cells, fibroblasts with collagen, and characteristic caseous necrosis in the center. The inflammatory response is mediated by a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, and skin testing is based on this reaction. In some examples, tuberculosis can be diagnosed by a skin test, an acid fast stain, an auramine stain, or a combination thereof. The most common specimen screened is sputum, but the histologic stains can also be performed on tissues or other body fluids.

TB is a frequent complication of HIV infection. TB infection in subjects infected with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can spread readily and progress rapidly to active disease. Specific symptoms of lung disease due to Mtb infection include chronic cough and spitting blood. Other symptoms of TB disease include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and drenching night sweats.

Vector: A nucleic acid molecule as introduced into a host cell, thereby producing a transduced or transformed host cell. A vector may include nucleic acid sequences that permit it to replicate in a host cell, such as an origin of replication. A vector may also include one or more selectable marker gene and other genetic elements known in the art. Vectors include plasmid vectors, including plasmids for expression in gram negative and gram positive bacterial cells. Exemplary vectors include those for expression in E. coli and Salmonella. Vectors also include viral vectors, such as, but are not limited to, retrovirus, orthopox, avipox, fowlpox, capripox, suipox, adenoviral, herpes virus, alpha virus, baculovirus, Sindbis virus, vaccinia virus and poliovirus vectors. Vectors also include vectors for expression in yeast cells

Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further to be understood that all base sizes or amino acid sizes, and all molecular weight or molecular mass values, given for nucleic acids or polypeptides are approximate, and are provided for description. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Mycobacterium Polypeptides

It is disclosed herein that several Mycobacterium polypeptides can be used to induce an immune response to Mtb, such as a T cell response. In several embodiments, the polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as:

1. MX1SRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISG AGWSGMAEATSLDTMX₂X₃MNQAFRNFVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNY EQQEQASQQILS, (SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein X₁ is A or T, X₂ is T or A and X₃ is any amino acid, such as Q or no amino acid) In several examples, the polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as:

a. MASRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISGA GWSGMAEATSLDTMTQMNQAFRNIVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNYEQ QEQASQQILS (SEQ ID NO: 2) (See also TUBERCULIST No. Rv1038c, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, known as EsxJ, ES6_2, TB11.0, QILSS) b. MASRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISG AGWSGMAEATSLDTMAQMNQAFRNIVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNYE QQEQASQQILSS (SEQ ID NO: 3, TUBERCULIST No. Rv1197, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also know as EsxK, ES6_3, TB11.0, QILSS) c. MASRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISG AGWSGMAEATSLDTMT+30MNQAFRNIVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNYE QQEQASQQILSS (SEQ ID NO: 4, TUBERCULIST No. Rv 1992, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, as known as EsxM, TB11.0, QILSS. d. MATRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISG AGWSGMAEATSLDTMAQMNQAFRNIVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNYE QQEQASQQILSS (SEQ ID NO: 5, TUBERCULIST No. Rv 2347c, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also known as EsxP, ES6_7, QILSS) e. MTSRFMTDPHAMRDMAGRFEVHAQTVEDEARRMWASAQNISG AGWSGMAEATSLDTMTQMNQAFRNIVNMLHGVRDGLVRDANNYE QQEQASQQILSS (SEQ ID NO: 6, TUBERCULIST No. Rv3620c, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also known as EsxW, ES6_10, QILSS). In additional embodiments, the polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as:

2. MSYMIATPAALTAAATDIDGIGSAVSVANAAAVAATTGVLAAGG DEVLAAIARLFNANAEEYHALSAQVAAFQTLFVRTLTGGCGVFRRR RGRQCVTAAEHRAAGAGRRQRRRRSGDGQWRLRQQRHFGCGGQPEF RQHSEHRR (SEQ ID NO: 7, TUBERCULIST NO. Rv1088, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also known as PE9). 3. VSLVIATPQLLATAALDLASIGSQVSAANAAAAMPTTEVVAAAA DEVSAAIAGLFGAHARQYQALSVQVAAFHEQFVQALTAAAGRYAST EAAVERSLLGAVNAPTEALLGRPLIGNGADGTAPGQPGAAGGLLFG NGGNGAAGGFGQTGGSGGAAGLIGNGGNGGAGGTGAAGGAGGNG GWLWGNGGNGGVGGTSVAAGIGGAGGNGGNAGLFGHGGAGGTG GAGLAGANGVNPTPGPAASTGDSPADVSGIGDQTGGDGGTGGHGTA GTPTGGTGGDGATATAGSGKATGGAGGDGGTAAAGGGGGNGGDG GVAQGDIASAFGGDGGNGSDGVAAGSGGGSGGAGGGAFVHIATAT STGGSGGFGGNGAASAASGADGGAGGAGGNGGAGGLLFGDGGNG GAGGAGGIGGDGATGGPGGSGGNAGIARFDSPDPEAEPDVVGGKGG DGGKGGSGLGVGGAGGTGGAGGNGGAGGLLFGNGGNGGNAGAGG DGGAGVAGGVGGNGGGGGTATFHEDPVAGVWAVGGVGGDGGSG GSSLGVGGVGGAGGVGGKGGASGMLIGNGGNGGSGGVGGAGGVG GAGGDGGNGGSGGNASTFGDENSIGGAGGTGGNGGNGANGGNGG AGGIAGGAGGSGGFLSGAAGVSGADGIGGAGGAGGAG GAGGSGGEAGAGGLTNGPGSPGVSGTEGMAGAPG (SEQ ID NO: 8, TUBERCULIST NO. Rv2487, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also known as PE_PGRS42) 4. MHQVDPNLTRRKGRLAALAIAAMASASLVTVAVPATANADPEPA PPVPTTAASPPSTAAAPPAPATPVAPPPPAAANTPNAQPGDPNAAPPP ADPNAPPPPVIAPNAPQPVRLDNPVGGFSFALPAGWVESDAAHFDYG SALLSKTTGDPPFPGQPPPVANDTRIVLGRLDQKLYASAEATDSKAA ARLGSDMGEFYMPYPGTRINQETVSLDANGVSGSASYYEVKFSDPSK PNGQIWTGVIGSPAANAPDAGPPQRWFVVWLGTANNPVDKGAAKA LAESIRPLVAPPPAPAPAPAEP APAPAPAGEVAPTPTTPTPQRTLPA (SEQ ID NO: 9, TUBERCULIST No. Rv1860, as available on Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also known as Apa, modD, mpt32) 5. MLLALLRQHIRPYRRLVAMLMMLQLVSTLASLYLPTVNAAFVDD GVAKGDTATIVRLGAVMLGVTGLQVLCAIGAVYLGSRTGAGFGRDL RSAMFEHIITFSERETARFGAPTLLTRSTNDVRQILFLVQMTATVLVT APIMCVGGIIMAIHQEAALTWLLLVSVPILAVANYWIISHMLPLFRRM QSLIDGINRVMRDQLSGVRVVRAFTREGYERDKFAQANTALSNAAL SAGNWQALMLPVTTLTINASSVALIWFGGLRIDSGQMQVGSLIAFLS YFAQILMAVLMATMTLAVLPRASVCAERITEVLSTPAALGNPDNPKF PTDGVTGVVRLAGATFTYPGADCPVLQDISLTARPGTTTAIVGSTGS GKSTLVSLICRLYDVTAGAVLVDGIDVREYHTERLWSAIGLVPQRSY LFSGTVADNLRYGGGPDQVVTEQEMWEALRVAAADGFVQTDGLQT RVAQGGVNFSGGQRQRLAIARAVIRRPAIYVFDDAFSALDVHTDAK VHASLRQVSGDATINVTQRISNAAQADQVIVVDNGKIVGTGTHETL LADCPTYAEFAASQSLSATVGGVG (SEQ ID NO: 10, TUBERCULIST NO. Rv1273c, as available Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference). 6. MSYVIAAPEMLATTAADVDGIGSAIRAASASAAGPTTGLLAAAA DEVSSAAAALFSEYARECQEVLKQAAAFHGEFTRALAAAGAAYAQ AEASNTAAMSGTAGSSGALGSVGMLSGNPLTALMMGGTGEPILSDR VLADDSAY1RPIFGPNNPVAQYTPEQWWPFIGNLSLDQSIAQGVTLLN NGINAELQNGHDVVVFGYSQSAAVATNEIRALMALPPGQAPDPSRL AFTLIGNINNPNGGVLERYVGLYLPFLDMSFNGATPPDSPYQTYMYT GQYDGYAHNPQYPLNILSDLNAFMGIRWVHNAYPFTAAEVANAVPL PTSPGYTGNTHYYMFLTQDLPLLQP1RAIPFVGTPIAELIQPDLRVLVD LGYGYGYADVPTPASLFAPINPIAVASALATGTVQGPQAALVSIGLLP QSALPNTYPYLPSANPGLMFNFGQSSVTELSVLSGALGSVARL1PPIA (SEQ ID NO: 11, TUBERCULIST NO. Rv0159c, as available Mar. 1, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, also know as PE3 or PE). 7. MEFPVLPPEINSVLMYSGAGSSPLLAAAAAWDGLAEELGSAAVSF GQVTSGLTAGVWQGAAAAAMAAAAAPYAGWLGSVAAAAEAVAG QARVVVGVFEAALAATVDPALVAANRARLVALAVSNLLGQNTPAIA AAEAEYELMWAADVAAMAGYHSGASAAAAALPAFSPPAQALGGG VGAFLTALFASPAKALSLNAGLGNVGNYNVGLGNVGVFNLGAGNV GGQNLGFGNAGGTNVGFGNLGNGNVGFGNSGLGAGLAGLGNIGLG NAGSSNYGFANLGVGNIGFGNTGTNNVGVGLTGNHLTGIGGLNSGT GNIGLFNSGTGNVGFFNSGTGNFGVFNSGNYNTGVGNAGTASTGLF NAGNFNTGVVNVGSYNTGSFNAGDTNTGGFNPGGVNTGWLNTGNT NTGIANSGNVNTGAFISGNFNNGVLWVGDYQGLFGVSAGSSIPAIPIG LVLNGDIGPITIQPIPILPTIPLSIHQTVNLGPLVVPDIVIPAFGGGI GIPINIGPLTITPITLFAQQTFVNQLPFPTFSLGKITIPQIQTFDSNG QLVSFIGPIVIDTTIPGPTNPQEDLTIRWDTPPITLFPNGISAPDNPL GLLVSVSISNPGFTIPGFSVPAQPLPLSIDIEGQIDGFSTPPITIDRI PLTVGGGVTIGPITIQGLHIPAAPGVGNTTTAPSSGFFNSGAGGVSGF GNVGAGSSGWWNQAPSALLGAGSGVGNVGTLGSGVLNLGSGISGFYNT SVLPFGTPAAVSGIGNLGQQLSGVSAAGTTLRSMLAGNLGLANVGNFN TGFGNVGDVNLGAANIGGHNLGLGNVGDGNLGLGNIGHGNLGFANLGL TAGAAGVGNVGFGNAGINNYGLANMGVGNIGFANTGTGNIGIGLVGDH RTGIGGLNSGIGNIGLFNSGTGNVGFFNSGTGNFGIGNSGRFNTGIGN SGTASTGLFNAGSFSTGIANTGDYNTGSFNAGDTNTGGFNPGGINTGW FNTGHANTGLANAGTFGTGAFMTGDYSNGLLWRGGYEGLVGVRVGPTI SQFPVTVHAIGGVGPLHVAPVPVPAVHVEITDATVGLGPFTVPPISIP SLPIASITGSVDLAANTISPIRALDPLAGSIGLFLEPFRLSDPFITID AFQVVAGVLFLENIIVPGLTVSGQILVTPTPIPLTLNLDTTPWTLFPN GFTIPAQTPVTVGMEVANDGFTFFPGGLTFPRASAGVTGLSVGLDAFT LLPDGFTLDTVPATFDGTILIGDIPIPILDVPAVPGFGNTTTAPSSGF FNTGGGGGSGFANVGAGTSGWWNQGHDVLAGAGSGVANAGTLSSGVLN VGSGISGWYNTSTLGAGTPAVVSGIGNLGQQLSGFLANGTVLNRSPIV NIGWADVGAFNTGLGNVGDLNWGAANIGAQNLGLGNLGSGNVGFGNIG AGNVGFANSGPAVGLAGLGNVGLSNAGSNNWGLANLGVGNIGLAN TGTGNIGIGLVGDYQTGIGGLNSGSGNIGLFNSGTGNVGFFNTGTGNF GLFNSGSFNTGIGNSGTGSTGLFNAGNFNTGIANPGSYNTGSFNVGDT NTGGFNPGDINTGWFNTGIMNTGTRNTGALMSGTDSNGMLWRGDH EGLFGLSYGITIPQFPIRITTTGGIGPIVIPDTTILPPLHLQITGDAD YSFTVPDEPIPAIHIGINGVVTVGFTAPEATLLSALKNNGSFISFGPI TLSNIDIPPMDFTLGLPVLGPITGQLGPIHLEPIVVAGIGVPLETEPI PLDAISLSESIPIRIPVDIPASVIDGISMSEVVPIDASVDIPAVTITG TTISAIPLGFDIRTSAGPLNIPIIDIPAAPGFGNSTQMPSSGFFNTGA GGGSGIGNLGAGVSGLLNQAGAGSLVGTLSGLGNAGTLASGVLNSGTA ISGLFNVSTLDATTPAVISGFSNLGDHMSGVSIDGLIAILTFPPAESV FDQIIDAAIAELQHLDIGNALALGNVGGVNLGLANVGEFNLGAGNVGN INVGAGNLGGSNLGLGNVGTGNLGFGNIGAGNFGFGNAGLTAGAGGLG NVGLGNAGSGSWGLANVGVGNIGLANTGTGNIGIGLTGDYRTGIGGLN SGTGNLGLFNSGTGNIGFFNTGTGNFGLFNSGSYSTGVGNAGTASTGL FNAGNFNTGLANAGSYNTGSLNVGSFNTGGVNPGTVNTGWFNTGHTNT GLFNTGNVNTGAFNSGSFNNGALWTGDYHGLVGFSFSIDIAGSTLLDL NETLNLGPIHIEQIDIPGMSLFDVHEIVEIGPFTIPQVDVPAIPLEIH ESIHMDPIVLVPATTIPAQTRTIPLDIPASPGSTMTLPLISMRFEGED WILGSTAAIPNFGDPFPAPTQGITIHTGPGPGTTGELKISIPGFELPQ IATTRFLLDVNISGGLPAFTLFAGGLTIPTNAEPLTIDASGALDPITI FPGGYTIDPLPLHLALNLTVPDSSIPIIDVPPTPGFGNTTATPSSGFF NSGAGGVSGFGNVGSNLSGWWNQAASALAGSGSGVLNVGTLGSGVLNV GSGVSGIYNTSVLPLGTPAVLSGLGNVGHQLSGVSAAGTALNQIPILN IGLADVGNFNVGFGNVGDVNLGAANLGAQNLGLGNVGTGNLGFANVGH GNIGFGNSGLTAGAAGLGNTGFGNAGSANYGFANQGVRNIGLANTGTG NIGIGLVGDNLTGIGGLNSGAGNIGLFNSGTGNIGFFNSGTGNFGIGN SGSFNTGIGNSGTGSTGLFNAGSFNTGVANAGSYNTGSFNAGDTNTGG FNPGTINTGWFNTGHTNTGIANSGNVGTGAFMSGNFSNGLLWRGDHEGL FSLFYSLDVPRITIVDAHLDGGFGPVVLPPIPVPAVNAHLTGNVAMGA FTIPQIDTPALTPNITGSAAFRIVVGSVRIPPVSVIVEQIINASVGAE MRIDPFEMWTQGTNGLGITFYSFGSADGSPYATGPLVFGAGTSD GSHLTISASSGAFTTPQLETGPITLGFQVPGSVNAITLFPGGLTFPATSL LNLDVTAGAGGVDIPAITWPEIAASADGSVYVLASSIPLINIPPTPGIG NSTITPSSGFFNAGAGGGSGFGNFGAGTSGWWNQAHTALAGAGSGF ANVGTLHSGVLNLGSGVSGIYNTSTLGVGTPALVSGLGNVGHQLSG LLSGGSAVNPVTVLNIGLANVGSHNAGFGNVGEVNLGAANLGAHNL GFGNIGAGNLGFGNIGHGNVGVGNSGLTAGVPGLGNVGLGNAGGN NWGLANVGVGNIGLANTGTGNIGIGLTGDYQTGIGGLNSGAGNLGL FNSGAGNVGFFNTGTGNFGLFNSGSFNTGVGNSGTGSTGLFNAGSFN TGVANAGSYNTGSFNVGDTNTGGFNPGSINTGWLNAGNANTGVAN AGNVNTGAFVTGNFSNGILWRGDYQGLAGFAVGYTLPLFPAVGAD VSGGIGPITVLPPIHIPPIPVGFAAVGGIGPIAIPDISVPSHILGLDPA VHVGSITVNPITVRTPPVLVSYSQGAVTSTSGPTSEIWVICPSFFPGIR IAPSSGGGATSTQGAYFVGPISIPSGTVTFPGFTIPLDPIDIGLPVSLT IPGFTIPGGTLIPTLPLGLALSNGIPPVDIPAIVLDRILLDLHADTTIG PINVPIAGFGGAPGFGNSTTLPSSGFFNTGAGGGSGFSNTGAGMSGLLN AMSDPLLGSASGFANFGTQLSGILNRGAGISGVYNTGALGVVTAAVVSG FGNVGQQLSGLLFTGVGP (SEQ ID NO: 12, TUBERCULIST No. 3350c, as available Mar. 1, 2007, herein incorporated by reference, also known as PPE56 or PPE.

In a second embodiment, an Mtb polypeptide of use in the methods disclosed herein has a sequence at least 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homologous to the amino acid sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-12. For example, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence, at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homologous to one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12. Exemplary sequences can be obtained using computer programs that are readily available on the internet and the amino acid sequences set forth herein. In one example, the polypeptide retains a function of the Mtb protein, such as binding to an antibody that specifically binds the Mtb epitope.

Minor modifications of an Mtb polypeptide primary amino acid sequences may result in peptides which have substantially equivalent activity as compared to the unmodified counterpart polypeptide described herein. Such modifications may be deliberate, as by site-directed mutagenesis, or may be spontaneous. All of the polypeptides produced by these modifications are included herein. Thus, a specific, non-limiting example of a Mtb polypeptide is a conservative variant of the Mtb polypeptide. A table of conservative substitutions is provided herein. Substitutions of the amino acids sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1-12 can be made based on this table.

Mtb polypeptides are disclosed herein that can be used to induce an immune response (immunogenic). These peptides include or consist of at least nine amino acids, such as nine to twenty amino acids consecutive amino acids of an Mtb polypeptide set forth above. Specific, non-limiting examples are twelve, eleven, ten amino acids, or nine consecutive amino acids of one of the Mtb polypeptides set forth above. In these examples, the Mtb polypeptide does not include the full-length amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-12.

An isolated polypeptide is disclosed that includes nine to twelve consecutive amino acids from an Mtb polypeptide, wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as QTVEDEARRMW (SEQ ID NO: 13). In some embodiments, the polypeptide is nine, ten or eleven amino acids in length. In additional embodiments, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 13. An isolated polypeptide is disclosed that includes nine to twelve consecutive amino acids from an Mtb polypeptide, wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as VSAAIAGLF (SEQ ID NO: 14). In some embodiments, the polypeptide is nine, ten or eleven amino acids in length. In additional embodiments, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 14.

In several embodiments, the isolated Mtb polypeptide is included in a fusion protein. Thus, the fusion protein can include the Mtb polypeptide (see above) and a second heterologous moiety, such as a myc protein, an enzyme or a carrier (such as a hepatitis carrier protein or bovine serum albumin) covalently linked to the Mtb polypeptide. In several examples, a polypeptide consisting of nine to twelve amino acids of one of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-14 that bind MHC class I is covalently linked to a carrier. In additional example, a polypeptide consisting of one of the amino acid sequences set forth as one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-14 is covalently linked to a carrier.

In additional examples, the polypeptide can be a fusion protein and can also include heterologous sequences to Mtb (such as amino acid sequences of at least nine amino acids in length that are not included in SEQ ID NO: 1). Thus, in several specific non-limiting examples, the immunogenic peptide is a fusion polypeptide, for example the polypeptide includes six sequential histidine residues, a β-galactosidase amino acid sequence, or an immunoglobulin amino acid sequence. The polypeptide can also be covalently linked to a carrier. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, a hepatitis B small envelope protein HBsAg. This protein has the capacity to self assemble into aggregates and can form viral-like particles. The preparation of HBsAg is well known, see for example European Patent Application Publication No. EP-A-0 226 846, European Patent Application Publication No. EP-A-0 299 108 and PCT Publication No. WO 01/117554, and the amino acid sequence disclosed, for example, in Tiollais et al., Nature, 317: 489, 1985, and European Patent Publication No. EP-A-0 278 940, and PCT Publication No. WO 91/14703, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In additional embodiments, the protein consists of the Mtb polypeptide. A second heterologous moiety can be non-covalently linked to the Mtb polypeptide. For example, a polypeptide consisting of nine to twelve consecutive amino acids of one of the proteins set forth as one of SEQ ID NO: 1-14 can be non-covalently linked to a carrier.

The polypeptide can optionally include repetitions of one or more of the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein. In one specific, non-limiting example, the polypeptide includes two, three, four, five, or up to ten repetitions of one of the Mtb polypeptides described above. Alternatively, more than one polypeptide can be included in a fusion polypeptide. Thus, in several examples, the polypeptide can include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1-14. A linker sequence can optionally be included between the Mtb polypeptides.

The Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein can be chemically synthesized by standard methods, or can be produced recombinantly. An exemplary process for polypeptide production is described in Lu et al., Federation of European Biochemical Societies Letters. 429:31-35, 1998. They can also be isolated by methods including preparative chromatography and immunological separations.

If desired, polypeptides can also be chemically synthesized by emerging technologies. One such process is described in W. Lu et al., Federation of European Biochemical Societies Letters. 429:31-35, 1998. Polypeptides can also be produced using molecular genetic techniques, such as by inserting a nucleic acid encoding Mtb or an epitope thereof into an expression vector, introducing the expression vector into a host cell, and isolating the polypeptide (see below).

An Mtb polypeptide can be covalently linked to a carrier, which is an immunogenic macromolecule to which an antigenic molecule can be bound. Carriers are chosen to increase the immunogenicity of the bound molecule and/or to elicit higher titers of antibodies against the carrier which are diagnostically, analytically, and/or therapeutically beneficial. Covalent linking of a molecule to a carrier can confer enhanced immunogenicity and T cell dependence (see Pozsgay et al., PNAS 96:5194-97, 1999; Lee et al., J. Immunol. 116:1711-18, 1976; Dintzis et al., PNAS 73:3671-75, 1976). Useful carriers include polymeric carriers, which can be natural (for example, polysaccharides, polypeptides or proteins from bacteria or viruses), semi-synthetic or synthetic materials containing one or more functional groups to which a reactant moiety can be attached. Bacterial products and viral proteins (such as hepatitis B surface antigen and core antigen) can also be used as carriers, as well as proteins from higher organisms such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin, horseshoe crab hemocyanin, edestin, mammalian serum albumins, and mammalian immunoglobulins. Additional bacterial products for use as carriers include bacterial wall proteins and other products (for example, streptococcal or staphylococcal cell walls and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)).

Polynucleotides encoding the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein are also provided. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences are set forth below:

ESXJ (ESAT-6 LIKE PROTEIN 2) (SEQ ID NO: 15) atggcctcgcgttttatgacggatccgcacgcgatgcgggacatggcgggccgttttgag gtgcacgcccagacggtggaggacgaggctcgccggatgtgggcgtccgcgcaaaacatc tcgggcgcgggctggagtggcatggccgaggcgacctcgctagacaccatgacccagatg aatcaggcgtttcgcaacatcgtgaacatgctgcacggggtgcgtgacgggctggttcgc gacgccaacaactacgaacagcaagagcaggcctcccagcagatcctcagcagctga ESXK (ESAT-6 LIKE PROTEIN 3) (SEQ ID NO: 16) atggcctcacgttttatgacggatccgcacgcgatgcgggacatggcgggccgttttgag gtgcacgcccagacggtggaggacgaggctcgccggatgtgggcgtccgcgcaaaacatt tccggtgcgggctggagtggcatggccgaggcgacctcgctagacaccatggcccagatg aatcaggcgtttcgcaacatcgtgaacatgctgcacggggtgcgtgacgggctggttcgc gacgccaacaactacgagcagcaagagcaggcctcccagcagatcctcagcagctaa ESXM (ESAT-6 LIKE PROTEIN ESXM) (SEQ ID NO: 17) atggccccacgttttatgacggatccgcacgcgatgcgggacatggcgggccgttttgag gcgcacgcccagacggtggaggacgaggctcgccggatgtgggcgtccgcgcaaaacatt tccggtgcgggctggagtggcatggccgaggcgacctcgctagacaccatgacctagatg aatcaggcgtttcgcaacatcgtgaacatgctgcacggggtgcgtgacgggctggttcgc gacgccaacaactacgaacagcaagagcaggcctcccagcagotcctgagcagctag ESXP (ESAT-6 LIKE PROTEIN 7) (SEQ ID NO: 18) atggcaacacgttttatgacggatccgcacgcgatgcgggacatggcgggccgttttgag gtgcacgcccagacggtggaggacgaggctcgccggatgtgggcgtccgcgcaaaacatc tcgggcgcgggctggagtggcatggccgaggcgacctcgctagacaccatggcccagatg aatcaggcgtttcgcaacatcgcgaacatgctgcacggggtgcgtgacgggctggttcgc gacgccaacaactacgagcagcaagagcaggcctcccagcagatccccagcagccaa ESXW (ESAT-6 LIKE PROTEIN 10) (SEQ ID NO: 19) atgacctcgcgttttatgacggatccgcacgcgatgcgggacatggcgggccgttttgag gtgcacgcccagacggtggaggacgaggctcgccggatgtgggcgtccgcgcaaaacatt tccggcgcgggctggagtggcatggccgaggcgacctcgctagacaccatgacccagatg aatcaggcgtttcgcaacatcgtgaacatgctgcacggggtgcgtgacgggctggttcgc gacgccaacaactacgaacagcaagagcaggcctcccagcagatcctcagcagctga PE9 (PE FAMILY PROTEIN) (SEQ ID NO: 20) atgtcatacatgactgccacaccagcggcgttgacggcggcggcaacggatatcgacggg attggctcggcggttagcgttgcgaacgccgcggcggtcgccgcgacaaccggagtgctg gccgccggtggcgatgaagtgttggcggccatcgctaggctgttcaacgcaaacgccgag gaatatcacgccctcagcgcgcaggtggcggcgtttcaaaccctgtttgtgcgcaccttg actggggggtgcggagtctttcgccggcgccgaggccgccaatgcgtcacagctgcagag catcgcgcggcaggtgcggggcgccgtcaacgccgtcgccggtcaggtgacgggcaatgg cggctccggcaacagcggcacttcggctgcggcggccaacccgaattccgacaacacagc Gagcatcgccgatag PE_PGRS42 (PE-PGRS FAMILY PROTEIN) (SEQ ID NO: 21) gtgtcgttggtgatcgcgacgccgcagctgctggcaactgcggctttggatttagcgagt attggttcgcaggtgagcgcggctaatgcggccgcggcgatgccgacgacggaagtggtg gctgcggctgccgatgaagtgtcggcggcgatcgcggggttgttcggggcccatgctcgg cagtatcaggcgctcagcgtacaggtggcagcgtttcacgagcagtttgtgcaggcgttg actgcggccgcgggtcggtatgccagcactgaggccgctgttgagcggagcctgctgggt gcggtgaatgcgcccaccgaggcgcttttggggcgcccgttgatcggaaacggcgccgac gggacggcacccgggcagcctggcgcggccggcgggttgctgtctggcaacggtggcaac ggcgcggctggcgggttcggtcaaaccggcggcagcggaggcgcggccgggttgatcggc aacggcggcaacggcggggccggtggtaccggcgcggccggcggtgccggtgggaacggg gggcggctgtggggcaacggcggcaacggcggtgtcggcggcaccagcgtggccgcaggc atcgggggtgcgggcggtaacggcggcaacgccgggctgttcggccatggcggcgccggt ggtaccggcggcgccggcctcgccggggcaaacggggtcaatcccacgcccggccccgcg gccagcaccggggacagcccggcagatgtgcccggcatcggtgatcaaaccggcggcgac ggcggcacgggcggccacggcactgccggcacgccgaccggtggcaccggcggcgacggt gccaccgcgacggcaggctcgggcaaggccaccggcggtgccggtggtgacggcggtacc gccgctgccggtggcggcggcggcaacggcggcgacggcggagtcgcgcagggcgacatt gcgagcgcctttggcggtgatggtggcaacgggtccgacggtgtagccgccggcagtggg ggtggtagcggcggcgccggaggcggcgctttcgtacacatcgccactgccacctctacc ggtggtagcggcggtttcggtggtaacggggctgccagtgccgcctccggcgccgacggt ggcgcagggggagctggcggcaatggtggcgccggcgggttgctattcggtgatggcggc aacggtggcgccggtggcgcgggtggtatcggtggtgacggcgccacgggggggcccggg ggaagcggcggcaacgctggcatcgcgaggcttgacagcccagaccccgaggcagaaccc gatgtggtcggcggcaagggtggtgatggcggcaagggcggcagcggccttggcgtcggc ggcgccggcgggaccggcggcgcgggcggcaacggcggcgccggcgggttgttgttcggc aacggcggcaacggcggcaacgccggggccggcggggatggcggcgccggcgttgccggt ggggttggcggtaacggcggcggtggtggcaccgcgacgtttcacgaagacccggtcgct ggtgtctgggcggtcggtggcgtaggtggtgatggtggctccggcggcagctcgcttggt gtcggcggggtgggcggagccggtggcgtgggtggcaagggtggcgccagcggcatgttg atcggcaacggcggcaacggtggcagcggcggagtcggtggggccggtggagtcggcggg gctggcggtgacggcggcaacggcggctccggtggcaacgccagtacttttggcgatgag aactccatcggcggggccggcgggacgggcggcaacgggggcaacggcgcaaacggcggt aacggtggcgctggcggtattgccggcggtgcgggtgggtccggagggttcctcagcggt gccgcaggagtcagcggcgctgacggtatcggtggcgcgggcggcgcaggcggtgccggt ggcgcgggcggtagcggcggtgaggcaggcgcggggggcctcaccaacggccccgggtcc cctggcgtttccggcaccgaaggcatggccggcgcgcccggctag Rv1860 FIBRONECTIN ATTACHMENT PROTEIN) (SEQ ID NO: 22) atgcatcaggtggaccccaacttgacacgtcgcaagggacgattggcggcactggctatc gcggcgatggccagcgccagcctggtgaccgttgcggtgcccgcgaccgccaacgccgat ccggagccagcgcccccggtacccacaacggccgcctcgccgccgtcgaccgctgcagcg ccacccgcaccggcgacacctgttgcccccccaccaccggccgccgccaacacgccgaat gcccagccgggcgatcccaacgcagcacctccgccggccgacccgaacgcaccgccgcca cctgtcattgccccaaacgcaccccaacctgtccggatcgacaacccggttggaggattc agcttcgcgctgcctgctggctgggtggagtctgacgccgcccacttcgactacggttca gcactcctcagcaaaaccaccggggacccgccatttcccggacagccgccgccggtggcc aatgacacccgtatcgcgctcggccggctagaccaaaagctttacgccagcgccgaagcc accgactccaaggccgcggcccggttgggctcggacatgggtgagttctatatgccctac ccgggcacccggatcaaccaggaaaccgtctcgctcgacgccaacggggtgtctggaagc gcgtcgtattacgaagtcaagttcagcgatccgagtaagccgaacggccagatctggacg ggcgtaatcggcccgcccgcggcgaacgcaccggacgccgggccccctcagcgctggttt gtggtatggctcgggaccgccaacaacccggtggacaagggcgcggccaaggcgctggcc gaatcgatccggcccttggtcgccccgccgccggcgccggcaccggctcctgcagagccc gctccggcgccggcgccggccggggaagtcgctcctaccccgacgacaccgacaccgcag Cggaccttaccggcctga Rv1273c (PROBABLE DRUGS-TRANSPORT TRANSMEMBRANE ATP-BINDING PROTEIN ABC TRANSPORTER) (SEQ ID NO: 23) atgctcctggccctgctgcgccagcacatccgaccgtaccgccggctggtcgcgatgctg atgatgctgcagctggtcagcaccctggcttcgctatacctcccgacggtcaacgccgca atcgtcgacgacggcgtcgccaagggcgacaccgccaccatcgtacggctgggtgcggtg atgcttggggtgaccggattgcaggtgctgtgcgcgatcggggcggtctatctgggctcc cggaccggggcgggtttcggccgtgacctgcgctcggcaatgttcgaacacatcatcacc ttctcggaacgcgagaccgcccgattcggcgctccgacgttgttgacccgcagcaccaac gacgtccggcagatcctgttcctggtccagatgaccgccaccgtgctggtcaccgcaccg atcatgtgcgtcggcggaatcatcatggccatccaccaggaggccgcgctgacatggctg ctgctggtcagcgttccgattctggccgtagcaaactactggatcatctcccacatgctg ccgctcttccgccgcatgcagagcctgatcgacggcatcaaccgggtgatgcgcgatcag ctgtccggggtgcgagtggtccgcgccttcacccgcgaaggctatgaacgcgacaagttc gcgcaggccaatacggcgctgtcgaatgccgcactgagcgccggcaactggcaagcactg atgctgccggcgaccacgctgaccatcaacgcatccagcgtcgcactgatctggttcggt gggctacgcatcgacagcggccagatgcaggtcggctccctgatcgccttcctgtcctac ctcgcccagatcctgatggcggtgttgatggcgaccatgacgctggccgtgctgccacga gcgtcggtctgcgccgaacgcaccaccgaggtgctttccacgcccgccgcactcggtaac cccgacaatcccaagttcccgacggacggggtcacgggcgtagtgcgcttggctggcgca acctttacctatcctggcgccgactgcccggtgctgcaggacatttcgttgactgcgcgg cccggtaccaccaccgcgatcgtcggcagtaccggttcgggcaagtcgacactggtgtcg ttgatctgccggccctacgacgtcaccgctggcgcggtcttggttgacggtatcgacgtc cgcgagtaccacaccgagcggctctggtcagcgatcgggctggtgccccagcgcagctac ctcttctccggaaccgtcgcggacaacctgcgctacggcgggggcccagaccaggtagtc accgagcaggagatgtgggaggcgctgcgggtcgccgcggccgacggctttgtacaaaca gacgggctgcagacgcgtgtcgcccaaggtggtgtcaacttctccggcgggcagcgccaa cggctggcgacagcccgagcggtcatccgacgtccggccatctatgtgttcgacgacgcg ttctccgcacttgacgtgcacaccgacgccaaagtccacgcatcgctgcgacaggtatct ggtgatgcaaccatcattgttgttacacaacggatttcgaatgccgctcaggccgaccag gtcatcgttgtcgataacggtaagatcgtcggcacgggcacccacgaaacgctgctggcc gattgccccacctatgccgaattcgccgcctcacaatcgctgagcgccacggtcgggggt Gtagggtga Rv0159c (PE FAMILY PROTEIN) (SEQ ID NO: 24) atgtcctacgtcatcgcggccccggagatgttggcaacgacggccgcggacgtggacggg atcggttcggcgatacgagcggccagcgcgtccgctgcgggtccaacgaccggactgctg gccgcggccgccgatgaggtgtcgtcggccgctgcagcgctgttcagcgaatacgcgcgc gaatgtcaagaggtcctaaagcaggctgcggcgttccatggcgagttcacccgggcgctg gctgccgccggggccgcctatgcccaggctgaagccagcaacaccgctgctatgtcgggc accgccgggtccagcggcgccctcggttctgtcgggatgctgtcaggcaacccgctaacc gcgttgatgatgggcggcaccggggaaccgatccttagtgaccgcgtcttggcgatcatt gacagcgcatacattcggcccattttcgggcccaacaacccggtcgcccagtacacgccc gagcagtggtggccgtttatcgggaacctgtcactggaccaatccatcgcccagggtgcc acgctgctgaacaacggcatcaacgcggaactacaaaatgggcatgacgtcgtcgttttc ggctactcgcaaagcgccgcggtagcgaccaatgaaatacgcgctcttatggcgtcacca ccgggccaagccccagatccaagccggctggctttcacgttgatcggtaatatcaataac cccaacggcggcgtcctcgagcgttacgtgggcctttacctcccgttcttggatacgtcg ttcaacggtgcgactccaccggattccccccaccagacctacacgtacaccggccaatac gacggctacgcccacaacccgcagtacccgctcaacatcttgtcggacctcaacgccttc atgggcatcagatgggtgcacaacgcgtaccccttcaccgcggccgaggttgccaatgcc gtgccgttgcccacgtctccgggctacaccggcaacacccattactacatgtttctgacc caggacctgccgctgttgcagccgattcgcgccatccccttcgtagggaccccaatagcc gagccgacccagcccgacctacgggtgctagtcgacttgggctacggctacggccacgcc gacgtacccaccccggccagcctgttcgcgccaatcaacccgatcgccgtggcctcggcc ctggcgaccgggaccgtgcaaggcccccaagccgccctagtaagcatcggattgttaccg cagtccgcgctacccaatacgtatccgtatcttccgtcggcgaatccgggcctgatgttc aacttcggccaatccagtgtgacggagtcgtcggcgctcagtggcgccctcgggtccgta gcgagattgattccaccgatcgcgtga Rv3350c (PPE FAMILY PROTEIN) (SEQ ID NO: 25) atggagtttccggtgttgccaccggaaatcaaccccgtgctgatgtattcgggcgcgggg tcgagcccgttgctggcggcggccgcggcgtgggatgggctggctgaggagttggggtcg gcggcggtgtcgtttgggcaggtgacgccgggcctgacggcgggggtgtggcagggtgcg gcggcggcggcgatggcggccgcggcggcgccgtatgcggggtggttgggttcggtggcg gccgcggccgaggcggtggccgggcaggcgcgggtggtggtgggggtctttgaggcggcg ttggcggcgacggtggatccggcgctggtggcggccaaccgggcgcggctggtggcgttg gcggtgtcgaatctgttggggcagaacacgccggcgatcgcggccgccgaggccgagtac gagctgatgcgggccgccgatgtggcggcgatggccggctaccattccggcgcgtcggct gctgccgcggcgtLgccggcgttcagcccaccggcgcaggcgctggggggaggtgtcggc gcgttccttaccgccctgttcgccagccctgcgaaggcgctgagcctgaatgcgggtttg ggcaatgtcggcaattacaacgtcgggttgggcaatgtcggggtgttcaacctgggcgcg ggcaatgtgggtgggcagaatctgggtttcgggaatgccggtggcaccaatgtcgggttc ggcaacctcggtaacgggaatgtcgggttcggcaactccggtctgggggcgggcctggcc ggcttgggcaatatcgggttgggcaacgcgggcagcagcaactatggtttcgcaaacctg ggtgtgggcaacatcggtttcggcaacaccggcaccaacaacgtcggcgtcgggctcacc ggcaaccacctgacgggtatcgggggcctgaattcgggcaccgggaatatcgggttgttc aactccggcaccgggaatgtggggttcttcaattcggggaccgggaacttcggggtgttc aactcgggtaattacaacaccggtgtcggtaatgcggggacggccagcacggggttgttc aatgccggcaatttcaacaccggcgtggtgaacgtgggcagttacaacaccggcagtttc aacgccggcgacaccaacaccggtggcttcaaccccggcggtgtgaacaccggctggctg aacaccggcaacaccaacaccggcatcgccaactcgggcaacgtcaacaccggcgcgttc atctcgggcaacctcaacaacggcgtgctgtgggtgggtgactaccagggcctgtccggc gtctccgccggctcgtcgatccccgcaattcccatcggcctggtgctcaacggcgacatc ggcccgatcaccatccagcccatcccgaccctgcccaccatcccgctcagcattcaccaa accgtcaacttgggcccgctggtggttcccgacatcgtgatccccgccttcggcggcggt atcggcatacccatcaacatcggcccgctgaccatcacacccatcaccctgtttgcccaa cagacatttgtcaaccaattgccctttcccaccttcagtttagggaaaatcacaattcca caaatccaaacctttgattctaacggtcagcttgtcagctttatcggccctatcgttatc gacaccaccattcccggacccaccaatccacagattgatttaacgatcagatgggatacc cctccgatcacgctgttcccgaatggcatcagtgctcccgataatcctttggggttgctg gtgagtgtgtcgatcagtaacccgggctttaccatcccgggatttagtgttcccgcgcag ccgttgccgttgtcgatcgatatcgagggccagatcgacgggttcagcaccccgccgatc acgaccgatcgcatccccctgaccgtggggggcggggtcacgatcggccccatcacgatc cagggccttcatatcccggcggcgccgggagtggggaacaccaccacggccccgtcgtcg ggatccctcaactccggtgcgggtggggtgtcgggtcccggcaacgtcggcgcgggcagc tcgggctggtggaaccaggcgccgagcgcgctgttgggggccggttcgggtgttggcaac gtgggcaccctgggctcgggtgtgctcaacctgggctcagggatctcggggttctacaac accagcgtgttgcctttcgggacaccggcggcggtgtcgggcatcggcaacctgggccag cagctgtcgggggcgtcggcggcgggaaccacgctgcgctcgatgctcgccggcaacctc gggttggccaatgtgggcaacttcaacaccgggttcggaaatgtcggggacgtcaacctg ggtgcggccaacatcggtgggcacaacctgggcctgggcaatgtcggggacggcaacctg gggttgggcaacatcggccatggcaacctggggtttgccaacttgggcctgaccgccggc gcggcgggggtgggcaatgttggttttggcaatgccggcatcaacaactatggcttggcg aacatgggtgtgggcaatattgggtttgccaacaccggcacgggcaacatcgggatcggg ctggtcggggaccatcggaccgggatcgggggcttgaactccggcatcggcaatatcggg ttgttcaactccggcaccggcaacgtcgggttcttcaattccgggaccggcaactccggc atcgggaactccggccgcttcaacaccgggatcggtaatagcggaacggccagcaccggg ctcttcaatgccggcagcttcagcaccggcatcgccaacactggtgactacaacacgggc agcttcaacgccggcgacaccaacaccggtggcttcaacccgggcggcatcaacaccggc tggttcaacaccgggcatgccaacaccgggctggccaacgcgggcaccttcggcaccggc gccttcatgacgggcgactacagcaacggcctgttgcggcggggcggctacgagggcctg gtcggcgtccgcgtcgggcccacgatctcccaattcccggtcaccgcgcacgcgatcggc ggggtgggcccgctgcatgtggcgcccgtcccggtacccgccgtgcacgtcgagatcacc gacgccaccgtcggcctgggtccgctcaccgtcccaccgatcagcattccctcacttccc atcgccagcatcaccggaagcgtggacctggccgcaaacaccatctcgccgatccgcgct cctgacccgctcgccggttcgatagggctttttctcgagccgttccgcctcagtgaccca tttatcaccattgatgcgttccaagttgttgccggtgtcttgttcctagagaacatcatt gtgcccggcctcacggttagcggtcagatattggtcaccccgacaccaattcccctaacc ctcaacttggacaccaccccgtggacgcttttcccgaatggtttcaccattcccgcgcaa acccccgtgacggcgggtatggaggtcgccaacgacgggttcacctccttcccgggcggg ctgacctttccgcgggcctccgccggggccaccggactgtccgtggggctggacgcgttc acgctgttgcccgacgggttcaccctcgacaccgtgccggcgaccttcgacggcaccatc ctcatcggcgatatcccgatcccgaccatcgacgtgccggcggtgccggggttcggcaac accaccacggccccatcgccggggttcttcaacaccggcggcggcggtggatcggggttc gccaacgtcggcgcgggcacgtcgggctggtggaaccaggggcacgacgtgttagcaggg gcgggctcgggagttgccaatgccggcacgctgagctcgggcgtgctgaacgtcggctcg gggatctccgggcggtacaacaccagcaccccgggagcgggcaccccggcggtggtctcg ggcatcggcaacctcggccagcagctgtcggggttcttggcaaatgggaccgtgctcaac cggagccccattgtcaatatcgggtgggccgatgtgggcgcgttcaacaccgggttgggc aatgtgggggacctcaactggggtgcggccaacatcggcgcgcagaacctgggcctgggc aatctcggcagcgggaacgtcgggttcggcaacatcggtgccggcaacgtcgggttcgcc aactcgggtccggcggtgggcctggccggcctgggcaacgtggggttgagcaatgccggc agcaacaactgggggctggccaacctgggtgtgggcaacatcgggttggccaacaccggc acgggcaacatcgggatcgggctggtcggcgactaccagaccggcatcggcggcctcaac tcgggtagtggcaatatcggattgttcaattccggcaccggcaatgtcgggttcttcaac accggcaccggcaacttcggactgttcaactccggtagtttcaacaccggcatcggtaat agcggaaccggcagtactgggctcttcaatgccggcaatttcaacaccggcatcgccaac cccgggtcgtacaacacgggcagcttcaatgtcggtgataccaacaccggtggtttcaac ccgggcgacatcaacaccggctggttcaacaccggcattatgaatacgggcacccgcaac accggcgccctcatgtcggggaccgacagcaacggcatgctgtggcgcggcgaccacgag ggcctgttcggcctgtcctatggcatcacgatcccgcaattcccgatccgcatcaccacg actggcggtatcggccccatcgtcatcccggacaccacgatccttccgccgctgcacctg cagatcaccggcgacgcggactacagcttcaccgtgcccgacatccccatccccgccatc cacatcggcatcaatggcgtcgtcaccgtcggcttcaccgccccggaagccaccctgctg tccgccctgaagaataacggtagcttcatcagcttcggccccatcacgctctcgaatatc gatattccgcccatggatttcacgttaggcctgcccgttcttggtcctatcacgggccaa ctcggaccaattcatcttgagccaatcgtggtggccgggatcggtgtgcccctggagatc gagcccatccccctggatgcgatttcgttgagtgagtcgattcctatccgcatacctgtt gatattccggcctcggtcatcgatgggatttcaatgtcggaagtggtgccgatcgatgcg tccgtggacatcccggcggtcacgatcacaggcaccaccatttccgcgatcccgctgggc ttcgacattcgcaccagtgccggacccctcaacatcccgatcatcgacatcccggcggcg ccgggcttcgggaactcgacccagatgccgtcgtcggggttcttcaacaccggtgccggc ggcggatcgggcatcggcaacttgggtgcgggcgtgtcgggcctgctcaaccaggccggc gcggggtcactggtggggacactctcggggctgggcaatgccggcaccctggcctcgggt gtgctgaactccggcaccgccatctccgggctgttcaacgtgagcacgctggacgccacc accccggcggtgatctcggggttcagcaacctcggcgaccatatgtcgggggtgtccatc gatggcctgatcgcgatcctcaccttcccacctgccgagtccgtgttcgatcagatcatc gacgcggccatcgccgagctgcagcacctcgacatcggcaacgctttggccttgggcaat gtcggcggggtgaacctcggtttggctaacgtcggtgagttcaacctgggtgcgggcaac gtcggcaacatcaacgtcggcgccggcaacctcggcggcagcaacttggggttgggcaac gtcgggaccggcaacctcgggttcggcaacatcggtgccggcaatttcggattcggcaac gcgggcctgaccgcgggcgcggggggcctgggcaatgtggggttgggtaacgccggcagc ggcagctgggggttggccaacgtgggtgtgggcaatatcgggttggccaacaccggcacc ggcaacatcgggatcgggctgaccggggactatcggaccgggatcggcggcctgaactcg ggcaccgggaacctcgggttgttcaactcgggcaccggcaacatcgggttcttcaacacc gggaccgggaacttcgggctgttcaactcgggcagttacagcaccggtgtggggaatgcg ggcacggccagcaccgggttgttcaacgcggggaacttcaacaccggtctggccaatgcc ggctcctacaacaccggcagcctcaacgtgggcagcttcaacaccggcggcgtcaacccg ggcaccgtcaacaccggctggttcaacaccggccacaccaacaccggcctgttcaacacc ggcaacgtcaacaccggcgcgttcaactccggcagcttcaacaacggggcgctgtggacc ggtgactaccacgggctggtcggcttctccttcagcatcgacatcgccggcagcaccctg ctggacctcaacgaaaccctcaacctgggccccatccacaccgagcagatcgacatcccc ggcatgtcgctgttcgacgtccacgaaatcgtcgagatcggaccctccaccatcccgcag gccgatgttcccgcgataccgctagagatccacgaatcgatccacatggatcccatcgtc ctggtgcccgccaccacaatccccgcacagacgagaaccattccgctggacatccccgcc tcacccgggtcaaccatgacgcttccgctcatcagcatgcgcttcgaaggcgaggactgg atcctcgggtcgaccgcggcgattcccaatttcggagaccccttcccggcgcccacccag ggcatcaccattcacaccggccctggccccggaacgaccggcgagctcaagatatctatt ccgggtttcgagattccgcaaatcgctaccacgagattcctgttggacgtgaacatcagc ggtggtctgccggccttcaccttgttcgcgggtggcctgacgatccccacgaacgccatc ccgttaacgatcgatgcgtccggcgcgctggatccgatcacgattttcccgggtgggtac acgatcgacccgctgccgctgcacctggcgctgaatctcaccgtgcccgacagcagcatc ccgatcatcgatgtcccgccgacgccagggttcggcaacaccacggcgaccccgtcgtcg gggttcttcaactccggcgccggtggggtgtcggggttcggaaacgtcgggtcgaacctg tcgggctggtggaaccaggcggcgagcgcgctggcggggtcgggatcgggggtgttgaat gtcggcacgctgggctcgggtgtgctcaacgtcggctcgggtgtctcggggatctacaac accagcgtgttgccgctcgggacgccggcggtgctgtcgggcctcggcaacgtcggccat cagctgtcgggcgtgtctgcggccgggaccgcgttgaaccagatccccatcctcaacatc gggttggcggatgtgggcaacttcaacgtcgggttcggcaacgtcggggacgttaacctg ggcgcggccaacctcggtgcgcaaaacctggggctgggcaacgtcggcaccggcaacctc ggcttcgccaacgtcggccacggcaatatcggtttcggcaattcgggtccgaccgccggc gcggccggcctgggcaacacggggttcggcaatgccggcagcgccaactatggtttcgcc aaccagggcgtgcgcaacatcgggttggccaacaccggcaccggcaacatcgggatcggg ctggtgggggacaacctcaccggcatcgggggcctgaactccggtgccggcaatatcggc ttgttcaactccggcaccggcaacatcgggttcttcaactccgggaccggcaacttcggc atcggtaactcgggcagcttcaacaccggcatcggcaatagcggaacgggcagcactggg ctcttcaatgccggcagcttcaacaccggcgtggccaacgccggcagctacaacaccggc agcttcaatgccggcgacaccaacaccggggggttcaacccgggcaccatcaacaccggc tggttcaacaccggccacaccaataccggcatcgccaactcgggcaacgtcggcaccggc gcgttcatgtcgggcaacttcagcaacggcctgttgtggcggggtgatcacgagggcctg ttcagcctgttctacagcctcgacgtgccccggatcaccatcgtggacgcccacctcgac ggcggcttcggacccgtggtcctcccgcccatcccggtgccggccgttaatgcgcacctg accggaaacgtcgcgatgggcgcattcaccattccgcagatcgacatccccgcactcacc ccaaacatcaccggaagcgccgccttccgcatcgttgtggggtccgtgcgcattccgccg gtgagtgtcattgtggagcaaataatcaacgcctcggttggggcggagatgaggatagat cccttcgaaatgtggactcaaggcactaatggccttggtataaccttctattcattcgga tcggccgacggttcgccctacgccaccggcccactcgttttcggcgccggcacgagcgac ggaagccatctcaccatttccgcgtccagcggggcgtttaccactccgcagctcgaaact ggcccgatcacgttgggcttccaggtgcccggcagcgtcaacgcgatcaccctcttcccc ggtggtttgacgttcccggcgacctcgctgctgaacctggacgtgaccgccggcgccggc ggcgtggacatcccggccatcacctggcccgagatcgcggcgagcgccgacggctcggtg tatgtcctcgccagcagcatcccgctgatcaacatcccgcccaccccgggcattgggaac agcaccatcaccccgtcgtcgggcttcttcaacgccggcgcgggcgggggatcgggcttc ggcaacttcggcgcgggcacctcgggctggtggaaccaggcgcacaccgcgctggcgggg gcgggctcgggttttgccaacgttggcacgctgcattccggtgtgctcaacctgggctcg ggtgtctcggggatctacaacaccagcacgctgggggtggggaccccggcgctggtctca ggcctgggcaacgtcggccaccaactgtcggggctgctttccggcgggtccgcggtgaac ccggtgaccgttctgaatatcgggttggccaacgtcggcagccacaacgccggtttcggc aatgtcggggaggtcaacctgggcgcggccaacctcggcgcgcacaacctgggcttcgga aatatcggcgccggcaacctggggttcggcaatattggccacggcaatgtcggagtcggc aactcgggtctgaccgcgggcgtgccgggcctgggcaatgtggggttgggcaatgccggc ggcaacaactgggggttggccaacgtgggcgtgggcsatatcgggttggccaacaccggc accggcaacattgggatcgggctgaccggcgactaccagaccggcatcggcggcctaaat tccggtgccggcaacctggggttgttcaactccggcgccggcaacgtcgggttcttcaac accgggaccggcaacttcgggttgttcaactccggcagcttcaacaccggcgtcggcaat agcggaacgggcagcactgggctcttcaatgccggcagtttcaacaccggtgtggccaac gccggcagctacaacacgggcagcttcaatgtcggtgacaccaacaccgggggcttcaac ccgggcagcatcaacaccggctggctcaacgccggcaacgccaacaccggggtggccaac gcgggcaatgtcaacaccggcgccttcgtcaccggcaacttcagcaacggcatcctgtgg cgcggcgactaccagggcctggccggcttcgccgtgggctacaccctcccgctgttcccc gcggtgggcgccgacgtcagcggcgggatcggcccgattaccgtgctgccgcccatccac atcccgcccattccggtcggcttcgccgcggtcggtggcatcggcccgatcgccatcccg gacatctctgttccatccattcacttgggcctcgaccccgccgtccatgtcggctccatc accgtcaaccccattaccgtcaggaccccgcccgtgctcgtcagttactcccaaggagcc gtcaccagcacgtccggaccaacctcagagatttgggtcaagcccagcttcttccccgga atccggatcgcgccctctagcggcgggggtgcaacgtccacgcaaggggcatactttgtg gggcccatctccatcccctccggcacggtgaccttcccgggattcaccatccccctcgac ccgatcgacatcggcctgccggtgtcgctgaccatcccggggttcaccatcccgggcggc accctgatccccaccctcccgctgggcctcgcgttgtccaatggcatcccgcccgtcgac atcccggccatcgttctcgaccggatcttgctggacctgcacgccgacaccactatcggc ccgatcaacgtcccgatcgccgggttcggcggggcgcc6ggtttcgggaactcgaccacg ctgccgtcgtcgggcttcttcaacaccggagctggcggcggttcgggctttagcaacacc ggcgcgggcatgtcgggattgctcaacgcgatgtcggatccgctgctcgggtcggcgtcg ggcttcgccaacttcggcacccagctctccggcatcctcaaccgcggcgccggcatctcg ggcgtgtacaacaccggcgcgctgggtgttgtcaccgcggccgtcgtctcgggtttcggc aacgtcggccagcaactgtcgggcttgctcttcaccggcgtcgggccctaa

These polynucleotides include DNA, cDNA and RNA sequences which encode the polypeptide of interest. Silent mutations in the coding sequence result from the degeneracy (i.e., redundancy) of the genetic code, whereby more than one codon can encode the same amino acid residue. Thus, for example, leucine can be encoded by CTT, CTC, CTA, CTG, TTA, or TTG; serine can be encoded by TCT, TCC, TCA, TCG, AGT, or AGC; asparagine can be encoded by AAT or AAC; aspartic acid can be encoded by GAT or GAC; cysteine can be encoded by TGT or TGC; alanine can be encoded by GCT, GCC, GCA, or GCG; glutamine can be encoded by CAA or CAG; tyrosine can be encoded by TAT or TAC; and isoleucine can be encoded by ATT, ATC, or ATA. Tables showing the standard genetic code can be found in various sources (e.g., L. Stryer, 1988, Biochemistry, 3.sup.rd Edition, W.H. 5 Freeman and Co., NY).

A nucleic acid encoding a Mtb polypeptide can be cloned or amplified by in vitro methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the ligase chain reaction (LCR), the transcription-based amplification system (TAS), the self-sustained sequence replication system (3SR) and the Qβ replicase amplification system (QB). For example, a polynucleotide encoding the protein can be isolated by polymerase chain reaction of cDNA using primers based on the DNA sequence of the molecule. A wide variety of cloning and in vitro amplification methodologies are well known to persons skilled in the art. PCR methods are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; Mullis et al., Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol. 51:263, 1987; and Erlich, ed., PCR Technology, (Stockton Press, NY, 1989). Polynucleotides also can be isolated by screening genomic or cDNA libraries with probes selected from the sequences of the desired polynucleotide under stringent hybridization conditions.

The polynucleotides encoding a Mtb polypeptide include a recombinant DNA which is incorporated into a vector, into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus, or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote, or which exists as a separate molecule (such as a cDNA) independent of other sequences. The nucleotides of the invention can be ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or modified forms of either nucleotide. The term includes single and double forms of DNA.

In one embodiment, vectors are used for expression in yeast such as S. cerevisiae or Kluyveromyces lactis. Several promoters are known to be of use in yeast expression systems such as the constitutive promoters plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase (PMA1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD), phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK1), alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (ADH1), and pleiotropic drug-resistant pump (PDR5). In addition, may inducible promoters are of use, such as GAL1-10 (induced by galactose), PHO5 (induced by low extracellular inorganic phosphate), and tandem heat shock HSE elements (induced by temperature elevation to 37° C.). Promoters that direct variable expression in response to a titratable inducer include the methionine-responsive MET3 and MET25 promoters and copper-dependent CUP1 promoters. Any of these promoters may be cloned into multicopy (4) or single copy (CEN) plasmids to give an additional level of control in expression level. The plasmids can include nutritional markers (such as URA3, ADE3, HIS1, and others) for selection in yeast and antibiotic resistance (AMP) for propagation in bacteria. Plasmids for expression on K. lactis are known, such as pKLAC1. Thus, in one example, after amplification in bacteria, plasmids can be introduced into the corresponding yeast auxotrophs by methods similar to bacterial transformation.

The Mtb polypeptides can be expressed in a variety of yeast strains. For example, seven pleiotropic drug-resistant transporters, YOR1, SNQ2, PDR5, YCF1, PDR10, PDR11, and PDR15, together with their activating transcription factors, PDR1 and PDR3, have been simultaneously deleted in yeast host cells, rendering the resultant strain sensitive to drugs. Yeast strains with altered lipid composition of the plasma membrane, such as the erg6 mutant defective in ergosterol biosynthesis, can also be utilized. Proteins that are highly sensitive to proteolysis can be expressed in a yeast lacking the master vacuolar endopeptidase Pep4, which controls the activation of other vacuolar hydrolases. Heterologous expression in strains carrying temperature-sensitive (ts) alleles of genes can be employed if the corresponding null mutant is inviable.

Viral vectors can also be prepared encoding the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein. A number of viral vectors have been constructed, including polyoma, SV40 (Madzak et al., 1992, J. Gen. Virol., 73:15331536), adenovirus (Berkner, 1992, Cur. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158:39-6; Berliner et al., 1988, Bio Techniques, 6:616-629; Gorziglia et al., 1992, J. Virol., 66:4407-4412; Quantin et al., 1992, Proc. Nad. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:2581-2584; Rosenfeld et al., 1992, Cell, 68:143-155; Wilkinson et al., 1992, Nucl. Acids Res., 20:2233-2239; Stratford-Perricaudet et al., 1990, Hum. Gene Ther., 1:241-256), vaccinia virus (Mackett et al., 1992, Biotechnology, 24:495-499), adeno-associated virus (Muzyczka, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158:91-123; On et al., 1990, Gene, 89:279-282), herpes viruses including HSV and EBV (Margolskee, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158:67-90; Johnson et al., 1992, J. Virol., 66:29522965; Fink et al., 1992, Hum. Gene Ther. 3:11-19; Breakfield et al., 1987, Mol. Neurobiol., 1:337-371; Fresse et al., 1990, Biochem. Pharmacol., 40:2189-2199), Sindbis viruses (H. Herweijer et al., 1995, Human Gene Therapy 6:1161-1167; U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,309 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,2217,879), alphaviruses (S. Schlesinger, 1993, Trends Biotechnol. 11:18-22; I. Frolov et al., 1996, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:11371-11377) and retroviruses of avian (Brandyopadhyay et al., 1984, Mol. Cell Biol., 4:749-754; Petropouplos et al., 1992, J. Virol., 66:3391-3397), murine (Miller, 1992, Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158:1-24; Miller et al., 1985, Mol. Cell. Biol., 5:431-437; Sorge et al., 1984, Mol. Cell. Biol., 4:1730-1737; Mann et al., 1985, J. Virol., 54:401-407), and human origin (Page et al., 1990, J. Virol., 64:5370-5276; Buchschalcher et al., 1992, J. Virol., 66:2731-2739). Baculovirus (Autographa californica multinuclear polyhedrosis virus; AcMNPV) vectors are also known in the art, and may be obtained from commercial sources (such as PharMingen, San Diego, Calif.; Protein Sciences Corp., Meriden, Conn.; Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.).

Thus, in one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding an Mtb polypeptide is included in a viral vector. Suitable vectors include retrovirus vectors, orthopox vectors, avipox vectors, fowlpox vectors, capripox vectors, suipox vectors, adenoviral vectors, herpes virus vectors, alpha virus vectors, baculovirus vectors, Sindbis virus vectors, vaccinia virus vectors and poliovirus vectors. Specific exemplary vectors are poxvirus vectors such as vaccinia virus, fowlpox virus and a highly attenuated vaccinia virus (MVA), adenovirus, baculovirus and the like. Pox viruses useful in practicing the present methods include orthopox, suipox, avipox, and capripox virus. Orthopox include vaccinia, ectromelia, and raccoon pox. One example of an orthopox of use is vaccinia. Avipox includes fowlpox, canary pox and pigeon pox. Capripox include goatpox and sheeppox. In one example, the suipox is swinepox. Examples of pox viral vectors for expression as described for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,460, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other viral vectors that can be used include other DNA viruses such as herpes virus and adenoviruses, and RNA viruses such as retroviruses and polio.

In some cases, vaccinia viral vectors may elicit a strong antibody response. Thus, while numerous boosts with vaccinia vectors are possible, its repeated use may not be useful in certain instances. However, this sensitivity problem can be minimized by using pox from different genera for boosts. In one example, when the first or initial pox virus vector is vaccinia, the second and subsequent pox virus vectors are selected from the pox viruses from a different genus such as suipox, avipox, capripox or an orthopox immunogenically distinct from vaccinia.

The vaccinia virus genome is known in the art. It is composed of a HIND F13L region, TK region, and an HA region. Recombinant vaccinia virus has been used to incorporate an exogenous gene for expression of the exogenous gene product (see, for example, Perkus et al. Science 229:981-984, 1985; Kaufman et al. Int. J. Cancer 48:900-907, 1991; Moss Science 252:1662, 1991). A gene encoding an antigen of interest, such as an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide, can be incorporated into the HIND F13L region or alternatively incorporated into the TK region of recombinant vaccinia virus vector (or other nonessential regions of the vaccinia virus genome). Baxby and Paoletti (Vaccine 10:8-9, 1992) disclose the construction and use as a vector, of the non-replicating poxvirus, including canarypox virus, fowlpox virus and other avian species. Sutter and Moss (Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci U.S.A. 89:10847-10851, 1992) and Sutter et al. (Virology 1994) disclose the construction and use as a vector, the non-replicating recombinant Ankara virus (MVA, modified vaccinia Ankara) in the construction and use of a vector.

Suitable vectors are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,252, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one example, a recombinant poxvirus, such as a recombinant vaccinia virus is synthetically modified by insertion of a chimeric gene containing vaccinia regulatory sequences or DNA sequences functionally equivalent thereto flanking DNA sequences which in nature are not contiguous with the flanking vaccinia regulatory DNA sequences that encode a Mtb polypeptide. The recombinant virus containing such a chimeric gene is effective at expressing the Mtb polypeptide. In one example, the vaccine viral vector comprises (A) a segment comprised of (i) a first DNA sequence encoding a Mtb polypeptide and (ii) a poxvirus promoter, wherein the poxvirus promoter is adjacent to and exerts transcriptional control over the DNA sequence encoding an Mtb polypeptide; and, flanking said segment, (B) DNA from a nonessential region of a poxvirus genome. The viral vector can encode a selectable marker. In one example, the poxvirus includes, for example, a thymidine kinase gene (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,252, which is incorporated herein by reference).

Viral vectors, such as poxviral vectors, that encode an Mtb polypeptide include at least one expression control element operationally linked to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Mtb polypeptide. The expression control elements are inserted in the viral vector to control and regulate the expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Examples of expression control elements of use in these vectors includes, but is not limited to, lac system, operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, yeast promoters and promoters derived from polyoma, adenovirus, retrovirus or SV40. Additional operational elements include, but are not limited to, leader sequence, termination codons, polyadenylation signals and any other sequences necessary for the appropriate transcription and subsequent translation of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Mtb polypeptide in the host system. The expression vector can contain additional elements necessary for the transfer and subsequent replication of the expression vector containing the nucleic acid sequence in the host system. Examples of such elements include, but are not limited to, origins of replication and selectable markers. It will further be understood by one skilled in the art that such vectors are easily constructed using conventional methods (Ausubel et al., (1987) in “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology,” John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y.) and are commercially available.

Basic techniques for preparing recombinant DNA viruses containing a heterologous DNA sequence encoding the one or more Mtb polypeptides are known in the art. Such techniques involve, for example, homologous recombination between the viral DNA sequences flanking the DNA sequence in a donor plasmid and homologous sequences present in the parental virus (Mackett et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79:7415-7419). In particular, recombinant viral vectors such as a poxyviral vector can be used in delivering the gene. The vector can be constructed for example by steps known in the art, such as steps analogous to the methods for creating synthetic recombinants of the fowlpox virus described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,258, incorporated herein by reference. Other techniques include using a unique restriction endonuclease site that is naturally present or artificially inserted in the parental viral vector to insert the heterologous DNA.

Generally, a DNA donor vector contains the following elements: (i) a prokaryotic origin of replication, so that the vector may be amplified in a prokaryotic host; (ii) a gene encoding a marker which allows selection of prokaryotic host cells that contain the vector (e.g., a gene encoding antibiotic resistance); (iii) at least one DNA sequence encoding the one or more Mtb polypeptide located adjacent to a transcriptional promoter capable of directing the expression of the sequence; and (iv) DNA sequences homologous to the region of the parent virus genome where the foreign gene(s) will be inserted, flanking the construct of element (iii). Methods for constructing donor plasmids for the introduction of multiple foreign genes into pox virus are described in PCT Publication No. WO 91/19803, incorporated herein by reference.

Generally, DNA fragments for construction of the donor vector, including fragments containing transcriptional promoters and fragments containing sequences homologous to the region of the parent virus genome into which foreign DNA sequences are to be inserted, can be obtained from genomic DNA or cloned DNA fragments. The donor plasmids can be mono, di-, or multivalent (i.e., can contain one or more inserted foreign DNA sequences). The donor vector can contain an additional gene that encodes a marker that will allow identification of recombinant viruses containing inserted foreign DNA. Several types of marker genes can be used to permit the identification and isolation of recombinant viruses. These include genes that encode antibiotic or chemical resistance (e.g., see Spyropoulos et al., 1988, J. Virol. 62:1046; Falkner and Moss, 1988, J. Virol. 62:1849; Franke et al., 1985, Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:1918), as well as genes such as the E. coli lacZ gene, that permit identification of recombinant viral plaques by colorimetric assay (Panicali et al., 1986, Gene 47:193-199).

The DNA gene sequence to be inserted into the virus can be placed into a donor plasmid, such as an E. coli or a Salmonella plasmid construct, into which DNA homologous to a section of DNA such as that of the insertion site of the poxvirus where the DNA is to be inserted has been inserted. Separately the DNA gene sequence to be inserted is ligated to a promoter. The promoter-gene linkage is positioned in the plasmid construct so that the promoter-gene linkage is flanked on both ends by DNA homologous to a DNA sequence flanking a region of pox DNA that is the desired insertion region. With a parental pox viral vector, a pox promoter is used. The resulting plasmid construct is then amplified by growth within E. coli bacteria and isolated. Next, the isolated plasmid containing the DNA gene sequence to be inserted is transfected into a cell culture, for example chick embryo fibroblasts, along with the parental virus, for example poxvirus. Recombination between homologous pox DNA in the plasmid and the viral genome respectively results in a recombinant poxvirus modified by the presence of the promoter-gene construct in its genome, at a site that does not affect virus viability.

As noted above, the DNA sequence is inserted into a region (insertion region) in the virus that does not affect virus viability of the resultant recombinant virus. One of skill in the art can readily identify such regions in a virus by, for example, randomly testing segments of virus DNA for regions that allow recombinant formation without seriously affecting virus viability of the recombinant. One region that can readily be used and is present in many viruses is the thymidine kinase (TK) gene. The TK gene has been found in all pox virus genomes examined, including leporipoxvirus (Upton et al., 1986, J. Virology 60:920); shope fibromavirus; capripoxvirus (Gershon et al., 1989, J. Gen. Virol. 70:525) Kenya sheep-1; orthopoxvirus (Weir et al., 1983, J. Virol. 46:530) vaccinia (Esposito et al., 1984, Virology 135:561); monkeypox and variola virus (Hruby et al., 1983, PNAS 80:3411) vaccinia (Kilpatrick et al., 1985, Virology 143:399); Yaba monkey tumor virus; avipoxvirus (Binns et al., 1988, Gen. Virol. 69:1275); fowipox; (Boyle et al., 1987, Virology 156:355); fowlpox (Schnitzlein et al., 1988, J. Virological Methods 20:341); fowlpox, quailpox; entomopox (Lytvyn et al., 1992, J. Gen. Virol. 73:3235-3240). In vaccinia, in addition to the TK region, other insertion regions include, for example, the HindIII M fragment. In fowlpox, in addition to the TK region, other insertion regions include, for example, the BamHI J fragment (Jenkins et al., 1991, AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 7:991-998) the EcoRI-HindIII fragment, EcoRV-HindIII fragment, BamHI fragment and the HindIII fragment set forth in EPO Application No. 0 308220 A1 (see also Calvert et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:3069-3076; Taylor et al., 1988, Vaccine 6:497-503; Spehner et al., 1990; Boursnell et al., 1990, J. Gen. Virol. 71:621-628).

In swinepox, insertion sites include the thymidine kinase gene region. In addition to the requirement that the gene be inserted into an insertion region, successful expression of the inserted gene by the modified poxvirus requires the presence of a promoter operably linked to the desired gene. Generally, the promoter is placed so that it is located upstream from the gene to be expressed. Promoters are well known in the art and can readily be selected depending on the host and the cell type you wish to target. In one example, in poxviruses, pox viral promoters are used, such as the vaccinia 7.5K, 40K or fowlpox promoters such as FPV C1A. Enhancer elements can also be used in combination to increase the level of expression. Furthermore, inducible promoters can be utilized.

Homologous recombination between donor plasmid DNA and viral DNA in an infected cell can result in the formation of recombinant viruses that incorporate the desired elements. Appropriate host cells for in vivo recombination are generally eukaryotic cells that can be infected by the virus and transfected by the plasmid vector. Examples of such cells suitable for use with a pox virus are chick embryo fibroblasts, HuTK143 (human) cells, and CV-1 and BSC-40 (both monkey kidney) cells. Infection of cells with pox virus and transfection of these cells with plasmid vectors is accomplished by techniques standard in the art (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,112 and PCT Publication No. WO 89/03429).

Following in vivo recombination, recombinant viral progeny can be identified by one of several techniques. For example, if the DNA donor vector is designed to insert foreign genes into the parent virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene, viruses containing integrated DNA will be TK− and can be selected on this basis (Mackett et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79:7415). Alternatively, co-integration of a gene encoding a marker or indicator gene with the foreign gene(s) of interest, as described above, can be used to identify recombinant progeny. One specific non-limiting example of an indicator gene is the E. coli lacZ gene. Recombinant viruses expressing beta-galactosidase can be selected using a chromogenic substrate for the enzyme (Panicali et al., 1986, Gene 47:193). Once a recombinant virus has been identified, a variety of well-known methods can be used to assay the expression of the Mtb sequence encoded by the inserted DNA fragment. These methods include black plaque assay (an in situ enzyme immunoassay performed on viral plaques), Western blot analysis, radioimmunoprecipitation (RIPA), and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

This disclosure encompasses a recombinant virus comprising more than one antigen of interest for the purpose of having a multivalent vaccine. For example, the recombinant virus may comprise the virus genome or portions thereof, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Mtb polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a hepatitis B surface antigen or any other carrier protein.

In one embodiment, a composition is provided that includes a recombinant virus comprising a vaccinia virus genome or portions thereof, the nucleic acid sequence encoding an Mtb polypeptide and a recombinant virus comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the immunostimulatory molecule, B 7.1 alone or in combination with the nucleic acid sequence encoding the immunostimulatory molecule, B7-2, or a recombinant virus containing both the genes for an Mtb polypeptide and an immunostimulatory molecule. This disclosure also encompasses a recombinant virus comprising the Mtb polypeptide that is administered with a second recombinant virus comprising the virus genome or portion thereof, and one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding one or more B7 molecules, such as a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing B7-1 and/or B7-2.

Thus, in one example, recombinant virus is disclosed that is a recombinant vaccinia virus containing B7-1 and a recombinant vaccinia virus containing B7-2 (designated rV-B7-1 and rV-B7-2, respectively); the composition can include rV-B7-1 and/or rV-B7-2 in combination with an immunogenic Mtb polypeptide.

The B7 molecule includes but is not limited to B7-1, B7-2 and analogs thereof. The B7 gene may be cloned from mammalian sources, including but not limited to mammalian tissues, genomic libraries or cDNA libraries, such as from murine or human sources. Without being bound by theory, co-stimulatory molecules of the B7 family (namely B7-1, B7-2, and possibly B7.3) are believed to be members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. These molecules are present on macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes (antigen presenting cells (APCs)). Significant amplification of the immune response against a given antigen generally does not occur without co-stimulation (June et al. (Immunology Today 15:321-331, 1994); Chen et al. (Immunology Today 14:483-486); Townsend et al. (Science 259:368-370)). Freeman et al. (J. Immunol. 143:2714-2722, 1989) report cloning and sequencing of B7-1 gene. Azuma et al. (Nature 366:76-79, 1993) report cloning and sequencing B7-2 gene. Thus, in one embodiment the B7-1 gene or the B7-2 genes are administered in conjunction with the Mtb polypeptide. The insertion of nucleic acids encoding B7-1 and B7-2 into vaccinia virus has been disclosed (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,869, incorporated herein by reference; this U.S. patent also discloses the use of a nucleic acid encoding IL-2 in a vaccinia virus). Several vectors including IL-2, B7-1 and B7-2 have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) on Oct. 3, 1994 under the terms of the Budapest Treaty (for example, rV-CEA/_(n)IL-2 (ATCC Designation VR 2480), rV-_(m)B7-2 (ATCC Designation VR 2482); and rV-_(m)B7-1 (ATCC Designation VR 2483)).

DNA sequences encoding a Mtb polypeptide can be expressed in vitro by DNA transfer into a suitable host cell. The cell may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The term also includes any progeny of the subject host cell. It is understood that all progeny may not be identical to the parental cell since there may be mutations that occur during replication. Methods of stable transfer, meaning that the foreign DNA is continuously maintained in the host, are known in the art.

As noted above, a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Mtb polypeptide can be operatively linked to expression control sequences. An expression control sequence operatively linked to a coding sequence is ligated such that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the expression control sequences. The expression control sequences include, but are not limited to, appropriate promoters, enhancers, transcription terminators, a start codon (i.e., ATG) in front of a protein-encoding gene, splicing signal for introns, maintenance of the correct reading frame of that gene to permit proper translation of mRNA, and stop codons.

Hosts cells can include microbial, yeast, insect and mammalian host cells. Methods of expressing DNA sequences having eukaryotic or viral sequences in prokaryotes are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable host cells include bacteria, archea, insect, fungi (for example, yeast), mycobacterium (such as M. smegmatis), plant, and animal cells (for example, mammalian cells, such as human). Exemplary cells of use include Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Salmonella typhimurium, SF9 cells, C129 cells, 293 cells, Neurospora, and immortalized mammalian myeloid and lymphoid cell lines. Techniques for the propagation of mammalian cells in culture are well-known (see, Jakoby and Pastan (eds), 1979, Cell Culture. Methods in Enzymology, volume 58, Academic Press, Inc., Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, N.Y.). Examples of commonly used mammalian host cell lines are VERO and HeLa cells, CHO cells, and WI38, BHK, and COS cell lines, although cell lines may be used, such as cells designed to provide higher expression desirable glycosylation patterns, or other features. As discussed above, techniques for the transformation of yeast cells, such as polyethylene glycol transformation, protoplast transformation and gene guns are also known in the art (see Gietz and Woods Methods in Enzymology 350: 87-96, 2002).

Transformation of a host cell with recombinant DNA can be carried out by conventional techniques as are well known to those skilled in the art. Where the host is prokaryotic, such as, but not limited to, E. coli, competent cells which are capable of DNA uptake can be prepared from cells harvested after exponential growth phase and subsequently treated by the CaCl₂ method using procedures well known in the art. Alternatively, MgCl₂ or RbCl can be used. Transformation can also be performed after forming a protoplast of the host cell if desired, or by electroporation.

When the host is a eukaryote, such methods of transfection of DNA as calcium phosphate coprecipitates, conventional mechanical procedures such as microinjection, electroporation, insertion of a plasmid encased in liposomes, or virus vectors can be used. Eukaryotic cells can also be co-transformed with polynucleotide sequences encoding a Mtb polypeptide, and a second foreign DNA molecule encoding a selectable phenotype, such as the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene. Another method is to use a eukaryotic viral vector, such as simian virus 40 (SV40) or bovine papilloma virus, to transiently infect or transform eukaryotic cells and express the protein (see for example, Eukaryotic Viral Vectors, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Gluzman ed., 1982).

Therapeutic Methods and Pharmaceutical Compositions

The Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein, or nucleic acids encoding the Mtb polypeptides, can be used to generate an immune response in a subject. In several examples, the subject is infected with Mtb or is at risk of being infected with Mtb. Thus, in several embodiments, the methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein (or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides), in order to generate an immune response, such as, but not limited to, a protective immune response.

In exemplary applications, compositions are administered to a subject having in an amount sufficient to produce an immune response to Mtb. These Mt polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are of use to prevent an infection with Mtb, prevent progression to disease in a subject having a latent Mtb infection, or to treat tuberculosis in a subject infected with Mtb. In several examples, administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including one or move of the Mtb polypeptides disclosed herein (or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides) induces a sufficient immune response to decrease a symptom of a disease due to Mtb infection, to prevent the development of one or more symptoms of tuberculosis, or to prevent infection with Mtb.

In some examples, the compositions are of use in preventing a future infection with Mtb. Thus, a therapeutically effective amount of the composition is administered to a subject at risk of becoming infective with Mtb. The composition prevents the development of tuberculosis, such as latent or active tuberculosis in the subject upon subsequent exposure to Mtb.

In additional examples, the compositions are administered to a subject with a latent Mtb infection, and prevent the development of symptoms of tuberculosis. Thus the compositions are of use in treating a subject with latent tuberculosis, such that the subject does not develop active tuberculosis.

Amounts effective for these uses will depend upon the severity of the disease, the general state of the patient's health, and the robustness of the patient's immune system. In one example, a therapeutically effective amount of the compound is that which provides either subjective relief of a symptom(s) or an objectively identifiable improvement as noted by the clinician or other qualified observer. In other examples, a therapeutically effective amount is an amount sufficient to prevent an infection with Mtb in a subject upon subsequent exposure of the subject to Mtb. In additional examples, a therapeutically effective amount is an amount sufficient to prevent development of symptom in a subject infected with Mtb.

A Mtb polypeptide can be administered by any means known to one of skill in the art (see Banga, A., “Parenteral Controlled Delivery of Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins,” in Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins, Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., Lancaster, Pa., 1995) either locally or systemically, such as by intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal infection, intravenous injection, oral administration, nasal administration, transdermal administration or even anal administration. In one embodiment, administration is by oral, subcutaneous injection or intramuscular injection. To extend the time during which the peptide or protein is available to stimulate a response, the peptide or protein can be provided as an implant, an oily injection, or as a particulate system. The particulate system can be a microparticle, a microcapsule, a microsphere, a nanocapsule, or similar particle. (see, e.g., Banga, supra). A particulate carrier based on a synthetic polymer has been shown to act as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response, in addition to providing a controlled release. Aluminum salts can also be used as adjuvants to produce an immune response.

In one specific, non-limiting example, the Mtb polypeptide is administered in a manner to direct the immune response to a cellular response (that is, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response), rather than a humoral (antibody) response.

Optionally, one or more cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, RANTES, GM-CSF, TNF-α, or IFN-γ, one or more growth factors, such as GM-CSF or G-CSF; one or more molecules such as OX-40L or 41 BBL, or combinations of these molecules, can be used as biological adjuvants (see, for example, Salgaller et al., 1998, J. Surg. Oncol. 68(2):122-38; Lotze et al., 2000, Cancer J Sci. Am. 6(Suppl 1):S61-6; Cao et al., 1998, Stem Cells 16(Suppl 1):251-60; Kuiper et al., 2000, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 465:381-90). These molecules can be administered systemically (or locally) to the host. In several examples, IL-2, RANTES, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, G-CSF, LFA-3, CD72, B7-1, B7-2, B7-1 B7-2, OX-40L, 41 BBL and ICAM-1 are administered.

A number of means for inducing cellular responses, both in vitro and in vivo, are known. Lipids have been identified as agents capable of assisting in priming CTL in vivo against various antigens. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,907, palmitic acid residues can be attached to the alpha and epsilon amino groups of a lysine residue and then linked (for example, via one or more linking residues, such as glycine, glycine-glycine, serine, serine-serine, or the like) to an immunogenic peptide. The lipidated peptide can then be injected directly in a micellar form, incorporated in a liposome, or emulsified in an adjuvant. As another example, E. coli lipoproteins, such as tripalmitoyl-S-glycerylcysteinlyseryl-serine can be used to prime tumor specific CTL when covalently attached to an appropriate peptide (see, Deres et al., Nature 342:561, 1989). Further, as the induction of neutralizing antibodies can also be primed with the same molecule conjugated to a peptide which displays an appropriate epitope, two compositions can be combined to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated responses where that is deemed desirable.

A pharmaceutical composition including a Mtb polypeptide is thus provided. These compositions are of use to promote an immune response to Mtb. In one embodiment, the Mtb polypeptide is mixed with an adjuvant containing two or more of a stabilizing detergent, a micelle-forming agent, and an oil. Suitable stabilizing detergents, micelle-forming agents, and oils are detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,103; U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,860; U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,202; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,770, all of which are incorporated by reference. A stabilizing detergent is any detergent that allows the components of the emulsion to remain as a stable emulsion. Such detergents include polysorbate, 80 (TWEEN) (Sorbitan-mono-9-octadecenoate-poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl; manufactured by ICI Americas, Wilmington, Del.), TWEEN 40™, TWEEN 20™, TWEEN 60™, ZWITTERGENT™ 3-12, TEEPOL HB7™, and SPAN 85™. These detergents are usually provided in an amount of approximately 0.05 to 0.5%, such as at about 0.2%. A micelle forming agent is an agent which is able to stabilize the emulsion formed with the other components such that a micelle-like structure is formed. Such agents generally cause some irritation at the site of injection in order to recruit macrophages to enhance the cellular response. Examples of such agents include polymer surfactants described by BASF Wyandotte publications, e.g., Schmolka, J. Am. Oil. Chem. Soc. 54:110, 1977, and Hunter et al., J. Immunol. 129:1244, 1981, PLURONIC™ L62LF, L101, and L64, PEG1000, and TETRONIC™ 1501, 150R1, 701, 901, 1301, and 130R1. The chemical structures of such agents are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the agent is chosen to have a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of between 0 and 2, as defined by Hunter and Bennett, J. Immun. 133:3167, 1984. The agent can be provided in an effective amount, for example between 0.5 and 10%, or in an amount between 1.25 and 5%.

The oil included in the composition is chosen to promote the retention of the antigen in oil-in-water emulsion, such as to provide a vehicle for the desired antigen, and preferably has a melting temperature of less than 65° C. such that emulsion is formed either at room temperature (about 20° C. to 25° C.), or once the temperature of the emulsion is brought down to room temperature. Examples of such oils include squalene, Squalane, EICOSANE™, tetratetracontane, glycerol, and peanut oil or other vegetable oils. In one specific, non-limiting example, the oil is provided in an amount between 1 and 10%, or between 2.5 and 5%. The oil should be both biodegradable and biocompatible so that the body can break down the oil over time, and so that no adverse affects, such as granulomas, are evident upon use of the oil.

In one embodiment, the adjuvant is a mixture of stabilizing detergents, micelle-forming agent, and oil available under the name PROVAX® (IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, Calif.). An adjuvant can also be an immunostimulatory nucleic acid, such as a nucleic acid including a CpG motif, or a biological adjuvant (see above).

Controlled release parenteral formulations can be made as implants, oily injections, or as particulate systems. For a broad overview of protein delivery systems, see Banga, Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins: Formulation, Processing, and Delivery Systems, Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., Lancaster, Pa., 1995. Particulate systems include microspheres, microparticles, microcapsules, nanocapsules, nanospheres, and nanoparticles. Microcapsules contain the therapeutic protein as a central core. In microspheres, the therapeutic agent is dispersed throughout the particle. Particles, microspheres, and microcapsules smaller than about 1 μm are generally referred to as nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanocapsules, respectively. Capillaries have a diameter of approximately 5 μm so that only nanoparticles are administered intravenously. Microparticles are typically around 100 μm in diameter and are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly (see Kreuter, Colloidal Drug Delivery Systems, J. Kreuter, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., pp. 219-342, 1994; Tice & Tabibi, Treatise on Controlled Drug Delivery, A. Kydonieus, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, N.Y., pp. 315-339, 1992).

Polymers can be used for ion-controlled release. Various degradable and nondegradable polymeric matrices for use in controlled drug delivery are known in the art (Langer, Accounts Chem. Res. 26:537, 1993). For example, the block copolymer, polaxamer 407 exists as a viscous yet mobile liquid at low temperatures but forms a semisolid gel at body temperature. It has shown to be an effective vehicle for formulation and sustained delivery of recombinant interleukin-2 and urease (Johnston et al., Pharm. Res. 9:425, 1992; and Pec, J. Parent. Sci. Tech. 44(2):58, 1990). Alternatively, hydroxyapatite has been used as a microcarrier for controlled release of proteins (Ijntema et al., Int. J. Pharm. 112:215, 1994). In yet another aspect, liposomes are used for controlled release as well as drug targeting of the lipid-capsulated drug (Betageri et al., Liposome Drug Delivery Systems, Technomic Publishing Co., Inc., Lancaster, Pa., 1993). Numerous additional systems for controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins are known (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,303; U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,837; U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,871; U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,728; U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,028; U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,735; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,369; U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,303; U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,670; U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,797; U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,164; U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,697; U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,505; U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,206; U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,961; U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,342; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,496).

In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition includes a nucleic acid encoding an Mtb polypeptide. A therapeutically effective amount of the Mtb polynucleotide can be administered to a subject in order to generate an immune response.

Optionally, one or more cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, RANTES, GM-CSF, TNF-α, or IFN-γ, one or more growth factors, such as GM-CSF or G-CSF, one or more costimulatory molecules, such as ICAM-1, LFA-3, CD72, B7-1, B7-2, or other B7 related molecules; one or more molecules such as OX-40L or 41 BBL, or combinations of these molecules, can be used as biological adjuvants (see, for example, Salgaller et al., 1998, J. Surg. Oncol. 68(2):122-38; Lotze et al., 2000, Cancer J. Sci. Am. 6(Suppl 1):S61-6; Cao et al., 1998, Stem Cells 16(Suppl 1):251-60; Kuiper et al., 2000, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 465:381-90). These molecules can be administered systemically to the host. It should be noted that these molecules can be co-administered via insertion of a nucleic acid encoding the molecules into a vector, for example; a recombinant pox vector (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,802). In various embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the biological adjuvant can be cloned into same vector as the Mtb polypeptide coding sequence, or the nucleic acid can be cloned into one or more separate vectors for co-administration. In addition, nonspecific immunomodulating factors such as Bacillus Cahnette-Guerin (BCG) and levamisole can be co-administered.

One approach to administration of nucleic acids is direct immunization with plasmid DNA, such as with a mammalian expression plasmid. As described above, the nucleotide sequence encoding an Mtb polypeptide can be placed under the control of a promoter to increase expression of the molecule.

Immunization by nucleic acid constructs is well known in the art and taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,578 (which describes methods of immunizing vertebrates by introducing DNA encoding a desired antigen to elicit a cell-mediated or a humoral response), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,972 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,637 (which describe operably linking a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen to regulatory sequences enabling expression). U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,103 describes several methods of delivery of nucleic acids encoding immunogenic peptides or other antigens to an organism. The methods include liposomal delivery of the nucleic acids (or of the synthetic peptides themselves), and immune-stimulating constructs, or ISCOMS™, negatively charged cage-like structures of 30-40 nm in size formed spontaneously on mixing cholesterol and Quil A™ (saponin). Protective immunity has been generated in a variety of experimental models of infection, including toxoplasmosis and Epstein-Barr virus-induced tumors, using ISCOMS™ as the delivery vehicle for antigens (Mowat and Donachie, Immunol. Today 12:383, 1991). Doses of antigen as low as 1 μg encapsulated in ISCOMS™ have been found to produce Class I mediated CTL responses (Takahashi et al., Nature 344:873, 1990).

In another approach to using nucleic acids for immunization, an Mtb polypeptide can also be expressed by attenuated viral hosts or vectors or bacterial vectors. Recombinant vaccinia virus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), herpes virus, retrovirus, or other viral vectors can be used to express the peptide or protein, thereby eliciting a CTL response. For example, vaccinia vectors and methods useful in immunization protocols are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,848. BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guerin) provides another vector for expression of the peptides (see Stover, Nature 351:456-460, 1991).

When a viral vector is utilized, it is desirable to provide the recipient with a dosage of each recombinant virus in the composition in the range of from about 10⁵ to about 10¹⁰ plaque forming units/mg mammal, although a lower or higher dose can be administered. The composition of recombinant viral vectors can be introduced into a mammal (1) prior to any evidence of an infection with Mtb; (2) to prevent development of tuberculosis in an individual infected with tuberculosis; or (3) to decrease a symptom of tuberculosis in a mammal infected with Mtb. Examples of methods for administering the composition into mammals include, but are not limited to, exposure of cells to the recombinant virus ex vivo, or injection of the composition into the affected tissue or intravenous, subcutaneous, intradermal or intramuscular administration of the virus. Alternatively the recombinant viral vector or combination of recombinant viral vectors may be administered locally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Generally, the quantity of recombinant viral vector, carrying the nucleic acid sequence of one or more Mtb polypeptides to be administered is based on the titer of virus particles. An exemplary range of the immunogen to be administered is 10⁵ to 10¹⁰ virus particles per mammal, such as a human.

In the embodiment where a combination of a first recombinant viral vector carrying a nucleic acid sequence of one or more Mtb polypeptide and a second recombinant viral vector carrying the nucleic acid sequence of one or more immunostimulatory molecules is used, the mammal can be immunized with different ratios of the first and second recombinant viral vector. In one embodiment the ratio of the first vector to the second vector is about 1:1, or about 1:3, or about 1:5. Optimal ratios of the first vector to the second vector may easily be titered using the methods known in the art (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,869, incorporated herein by reference).

In one embodiment the recombinant viruses have been constructed to express cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-2), and co-stimulatory and accessory molecules (B7-1, B7-2) alone and in a variety of combinations. Simultaneous production of an immunostimulatory molecule and the Mtb polypeptide enhances the generation of specific effectors. Without being bound by theory, dependent upon the specific immunostimulatory molecules, different mechanisms might be responsible for the enhanced immunogenicity: augmentation of help signal (IL-2), recruitment of professional APC (GM-CSF), increase in CTL frequency (IL-2), effect on antigen processing pathway and MHC expression (IFNγ and TNFα) and the like. For example, IL-2, IL-6, interferon, tumor necrosis factor, or a nucleic acid encoding these molecules, can be administered in conjunction with a Mtb immunogenic polypeptide, or a nucleic acid encoding an Mtb polypeptide. The co-expression of a Mtb polypeptide together with at least one immunostimulatory molecule can be effective in an animal model to show anti-tumor effects.

In one embodiment, a nucleic acid encoding an Mtb polypeptide is introduced directly into cells. For example, the nucleic acid can be loaded onto gold microspheres by standard methods and introduced into the skin by a device such as Bio-Rad's Helios™ Gene Gun. The nucleic acids can be “naked,” consisting of plasmids under control of a strong promoter. Typically, the DNA is injected into muscle, although it can also be injected directly into other sites, including tissues in proximity to metastases. Dosages for injection are usually around 0.5 μg/kg to about 50 mg/kg, and typically are about 0.005 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,466).

In one specific, non-limiting example, a pharmaceutical composition for intravenous administration would include about 0.1 μg to 10 mg of immunogenic Mtb polypeptide per patient per day. Dosages from 0.1 up to about 100 mg per patient per day can be used, particularly if the agent is administered to a secluded site and not into the circulatory or lymph system, such as into a body cavity or into a lumen of an organ. Actual methods for preparing administrable compositions will be known or apparent to those skilled in the art and are described in more detail in such publications as Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19^(th) Ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1995.

Single or multiple administrations of the compositions are administered depending on the dosage and frequency as required and tolerated by the subject. In one embodiment, the dosage is administered once as a bolus, but in another embodiment can be applied periodically until a therapeutic result is achieved. In one embodiment, the dose is sufficient to treat or ameliorate symptoms or signs of tuberculosis without producing unacceptable toxicity to the subject. In another embodiment, the dose is sufficient to prevent infection with Mtb upon subsequent exposure to Mtb. In a further embodiment, the dose is sufficient to prevent a symptom of tuberculosis in a subject with a latent Mtb infection. Systemic or local administration can be utilized.

In another method, antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, are isolated from a subject of interest and pulsed or co-incubated with peptides comprising an Mtb polypeptide in vitro. In one specific, non-limiting example, the antigen presenting cells are autologous cells isolated from the subject of interest. A therapeutically effective amount of the antigen presenting cells is administered (re-introduced) to the subject of interest.

The Mtb polypeptide can be delivered to the dendritic cells or to dendritic cell precursors via any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, pulsing dendritic cells directly with antigen, or utilizing a broad variety of antigen delivery vehicles, such as, for example, liposomes, or other vectors known to deliver antigen to cells. In one specific, non-limiting example an antigenic formulation includes about 0.1 μg to about 1,000 μg, or about 1 to about 100 μg of a selected Mtb polypeptide. The Mtb polypeptide can also be administered with agents that promote dendritic cell maturation. Specific, non-limiting examples of agents of use are interleukin-4 (IL-4) and granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or flt-3 ligand (flt-3L). The preparation can also contain buffers, excipients, and preservatives, amongst other ingredients.

In one embodiment, mature antigen presenting cells are generated to present the immunogenic Mtb polypeptide. These dendritic cells are then administered alone to a subject infected with Mtb, or at risk for infection with Mtb. In another embodiment, the mature dendritic cells are administered in conjunction with an antiviral agent.

Alternatively, the APCs are used to sensitize CD8 cells, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The PBLs can be from the same subject (autologous) that is to be treated. Alternatively, the PBLs can be heterologous. However, they should at least be MHC Class-I restricted to the HLA types the subject possesses. An effective amount of the sensitized cells are then administered to the subject.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be used as the responder cell source of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) precursors. The appropriate antigen-presenting cells are incubated with peptide, after which the peptide-loaded antigen-presenting cells are then incubated with the responder cell population under optimized culture conditions. Positive CTL activation can be determined by assaying the culture for the presence of CTLs that kill radio-labeled target cells, both specific peptide-pulsed targets as well as target cells expressing endogenously processed forms of the antigen from which the peptide sequence was derived.

Alternatively, a CD8⁺ T cell clone that recognizes the Mtb polypeptide can be isolated from a subject of interest. This CD8⁺ T cell clone can be expanded in vitro, using methods known in the art. A therapeutically effective amount of the CD8⁺ T cells is then administered to the subject of interest.

Thus, cells can be administered to a subject to treat or an Mtb infection, such as to decrease a symptom of an Mtb infection. In these applications, a therapeutically effective amount of activated antigen presenting cells, or activated lymphocytes, are administered to a subject in an amount sufficient to raise an immune response to Mtb.

In supplemental methods, any therapeutic regimen is augmented by administering a cytokine, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, GM-CSF, interferons. In further methods, an additional antiviral agent is administered to the subject.

The disclosure is illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLES

For many infections, the repertoire of the CD8 response is shaped by the entry of antigen into the MHC-I processing pathway, binding of peptides and/or non-peptide antigens to MHC-I molecules, and recognition of these structures by T cells. Ultimately, a relatively limited subset of pathogen-specific T cells emerge. While a number of commonly recognized CD4 Mtb antigens have been described (Reed et al., Microbes Infect 7:922-931, 2005) (ESAT-6, CFP10, Ag85, etc.), surprisingly little is known about common Mtb antigens recognized by human CD8⁺ T cells. The majority of CD8 epitopes that have been identified were defined by testing of Mtb peptides selected for high affinity binding to MHC Class Ia molecules (HLA-A2 in most cases (see, for example, Lalvani, Microbes Infect 7:922-931, 1998)). In almost all of these, however, the ex vivo frequency of these T cells in Mtb-infected individuals is low or undetectable, suggesting that these specificities may not represent immunodominant responses. In contrast, in the limited cases in which T cells have been used to define epitopes contained in selected Mtb antigens, high ex vivo frequencies have been demonstrated (see Lewinsohn et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 166:843-848, 2002), suggesting, that a T cell-centered approach can identify immunodominant epitopes. Moreover, CD8 T cell responses to some Mtb antigens which represent good CD4 antigens (CFP10, ESAT-6, Ag85, and Mtb39) have been detected at high frequency in persons infected with Mtb. Therefore, a limited library of overlapping synthetic peptides representing several known CD4 Mtb antigens was used to determine the magnitude of the CD8 response to these antigens in persons with active tuberculosis (TB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) as well as uninfected subjects. Furthermore, a panel of Mtb-specific CD8⁺ T cell clones was utilized to define minimal epitopes recognized within these antigens and determined the contribution of these novel epitopes to the ex vivo Mtb-specific CD8 response.

Example 1 Materials and Methods

Human subjects. Uninfected individuals were defined as healthy individuals with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) and no know risk factors for infection with Mtb. Individuals with LTBI were defined as healthy persons with a positive TST and no symptoms and signs of active TB. In all active TB cases, pulmonary TB was diagnosed by the TB Controller of the county and confirmed by positive sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from whole blood obtained by venipuncture or apheresis.

Media and Reagents. Culture medium consisted of RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Sera (FBS; Bio Whittaker), 5×10⁻⁵ M 2 ME (Sigma-Aldrich), and 2 mM glutamine (GIBCO BRL). For the growth and assay of Mtb-reactive T cell clones, RPMI 1640 was supplemented with 10% human serum. Mtb strain H37Rv was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.) and prepared as previously described (Lewinsohn et al., J Immunol 165:925-930, 2000). Peptides were synthesized by Genemed Synthesis, Inc, (San Francisco, Calif.). Synthetic peptide pools consisted of 15-mers overlapping by 11 amino acids (aa) representing Mtb proteins demonstrated to be potent CD4 antigens. Peptide pools representing CFP-10 (Berthet et al., Microbiology 144:3195-3203, 1998; Dillon et al., J Clin Microbiol 38:3285-3290, 2000), ESAT-6 (Sorenson et al., Infect Immun 63:1710-1717, 1995), Mtb39a (two pools, A &B, reference) (Dillon et al., Infect Immun 67:2941-2950, 1999), Mtb8.4 (Coler et al., J Immunol 161:2356-2364, 1998), Mtb 9.9 (Alderson et al., J Exp Med 191:551-560, 2000), (Coler et al., J Immunol 161:2356-2364, 1998), Mtb 9.9 (Alderson et al., J Exp Med 191:551-560, 2000), EsxG (Rosenkrands et al., Electrophoresis 21:3740-3756, 2002), 19 kDa antigen (Collins et al. J Gen Microbiol 136:1429-1436, 1990), antigen 85b (Borremans et al., Infect Immun 57:3123-3130, 1989) (two pools, A & B, reference) were synthesized. Peptides were resuspended in DMSO and up to 50 peptides were combined into one pool such that each peptide in the pool was at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. Peptide pools were stored at −80° C.

Cell Lines and T Cell Clones. EBV-transformed B cell lines, LCL, were either generated using supernatants from the cell line 9B5-8 (American Type Culture Collection) or obtained from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP; Minneapolis, Minn.). LCL were maintained by continuous passage as previously described (Heinzel et al., J Exp Med 196:1473-1481, 2002). Mtb-specific T cell clones were isolated from individuals with LTBI or active tuberculosis, using Mtb-infected DCs as APCs and limiting dilution cloning methodology as previously described (Lewinsohn et al., J Immunol 165:925-930, 2000). Briefly, CD8⁺ T cells were isolated from PBMC using negative selection using CD4 antibody-coated beads and then positive selection using CD8 antibody-coated magnetic beads per the manufacturer's instructions (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn Calif.) or via flow cytometry. In this case, CD4-PE (BD Biosciences cat #555347) negative, CD8-APC (BD Biosciences, cat#555369) positive cells (purity >99%) were sorted on a Becton Dickenson LSR II. T cells were seeded at various concentrations in the presence of a 1×10⁵ irradiated autologous Mtb-infected DC, generated as described below, and rIL-2 (5 ng/ml) in cell culture media consisting of 200 μl of RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% human sera. Wells exhibiting growth between 10-14 days, were assessed for Mtb specificity using ELISPOT and Mtb-infected DC as a source of APCs. T cells retaining Mtb specificity were further phenotyped for αβ T cell receptor expression and CD8 expression by FACS and expanded as described below. Vβ usage was determined using the IOTest Beta Mark Kit from Beckman Coulter.

Expansion of T cell clones. To expand the CD8⁺ T cell clones, a rapid expansion protocol using anti-CD3 mAb stimulation was used as described previously (Heinzel et al., J Exp Med 196:1473-1481, 2002).

Generation and Infection of Peripheral Blood DCs. Monocyte-derived DCs were prepared (Heinzel et al., supra; Romani et al., J Exp Med 180:83-93, 1994). To generate Mtb-infected DC, cells (1×10⁶) were cultured overnight in the presence of Mtb (multiplicity of infection [MOI]=50:1). After 18 hours, the cells were harvested and resuspended in RPMI/10% human serum.

MHC binding assays. The MHC-peptide binding assay utilized measures the ability of peptide ligands to inhibit the binding of a radiolabeled peptide to purified MHC molecules, and has been described in detail elsewhere (Sidney et al., 1999. UNIT 18.3 Measurement of MHC/peptide interactions by gel filtration. In Current Protocols in Immunology. Coligan et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996). Briefly, purified MHC molecules, test peptides, and a radiolabeled probe peptide were incubated at room temperature in the presence of human B2-microglobulin and a cocktail of protease inhibitors. After a two-day incubation, binding of the radiolabeled peptide to the corresponding MHC class I molecule was determined by capturing MHC/peptide complexes on W6/32 antibody (anti-HLA A, B, and C) or B123.2 (anti-HLA B, C and some A) coated plates, and bound counts per minute (cpm) were measured using a microscintillation counter. For competition assays, the concentration of peptide yielding 50% inhibition of the binding of the radiolabeled peptide was calculated. Peptides were typically tested at six different concentrations covering a 100.000-fold dose range, and in three or more independent assays. Under the conditions utilized, where [label]<[MHC] and IC₅₀≧[MHC], the measured IC₅₀ values are reasonable approximations of the true Kd values.

IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. The IFN-γ ELISPOT assay was performed as described previously (Beckman et al., J Immunol 157:2795-2803, 1996). For determination of ex vivo frequencies of CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells responding to Mtb infection or Mtb antigens, CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T-cells were positively selected from PBMC using magnetic beads (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn Calif.) as a source of responder T cells and tested in duplicate at four different cell concentrations. Autologous DC (20,000 cells/well) were used as APC and DC were either infected with Mtb or pulsed with peptide pools (5 μg/ml, final concentration of each peptide) and then added to the assay. For assays using T cell clones, T cells (1000 or 5000 cells/well) were incubated with autologous LCL (20,000 cells/well) in the presence or absence of antigen.

Data analysis: To determine the ex vivo frequency of antigen-specific T cells, the average number of spots per well for each duplicate was plotted against the number of responder cells per well. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the slope of the line, which represents the frequency of antigen-specific T cells. The assay is considered positive, i.e. reflecting the presence of a primed T cell response, if the binomial probability (Lewinshon et al., Microbes Infect 8:2587-2598, 2006) for the number of spots is significantly different by experimental and control assays. To determine differences in ex vivo T cell frequencies between groups, Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used.

Example 2 Defining Immunodominant Mtb-Specific CD8+ Antigens

To define immunodominant Mtb-specific CD8⁺ antigens, and to determine whether or not these responses result from infection with Mtb, CD8⁺ T cells were used from donors uninfected, with LTBI, or actively infected with Mtb. Responses were determined either directly ex vivo, or using CD8⁺ T cell clones obtained by limiting dilution cloning on Mtb-infected autologous DC (Lewinsohn et al., J Immunol 165:925-930, 2000). As much is known about dominant CD4⁺ Mtb antigens, a panel of these commonly recognized antigens was selected for further evaluation. These were: Mtb39, CFP10, and Mtb8.4, Mtb9.9, ESAT-6, Ag85b, 19 kDa, and EsxG. To avoid bias introduced by using peptides of predicted HLA-binding specificity, we synthesized overlapping peptides (15 aa, overlap 11 aa) to represent the proteins of interest (Lewinshon et al., J Immunol 166:439-446, 2001).

To accurately determine the ex vivo effector cell frequencies of CD8⁺ T cells, linear regression analysis was used. As shown in FIG. 1, magnetic bead purified CD8⁺ T cells were tested against peptide pulsed DC over a range of CD8⁺ T cell numbers in an IFN-γ ELISPOT assay. A positive assay was determined as described below and if positive, the antigen specific frequency was determined using linear regression.

Subjects uninfected (n=14), those with LTBI (n=20) and those with active TB (n=12) were evaluated for CD8⁺ responses to a panel of Mtb CD4⁺ T cell antigens, as well as to Mtb-infected DC. All subjects tested had robust CD8⁺ T cell responses to Mtb-infected DC and were of greater magnitude in individuals with active TB than in those with LTBI (p=0.01; FIG. 2, Table I). However, CD8⁺ T cell responses to the panel of Mtb antigens were found almost exclusively in those infected with Mtb in that statistically significant differences between uninfected and Mtb-infected individuals were noted for seven of ten antigens for both the magnitude of the response (FIG. 2) and the proportion of positive assays (Table I).

TABLE I CD8⁺ T cell responses to known TB antigens. Mtb Infected Mtb Uninfected # positive^(a)/ # positive^(a)/ P value Antigen # tested (%) # tested (%) (2 tail fishers) Mtb DC  17/17 (100)  11/11 (100) Mtb39 Pool A 13/30 (43) 0/14 (0) 0.003 Mtb 39 Pool B 10/30 (33) 0/14 (0) 0.01 CFP10 14/30 (47) 1/14 (7) 0.02 Mtb 8.4 13/30 (43) 0/14 (0) 0.003 Mtb 9.9 10/25 (40) 1/14 (7) 0.06 ESAT 6 12/25 (48) 0/14 (0) 0.003 Ag85b Pool A  5/22 (23) 1/14 (7) 0.37 Ag85b Pool B  4/22 (18) 0/14 (0) 0.14 19 kd  6/22 (27) 1/12 (8) 0.38 EsxG  9/22(41) 0/14 (0) 0.006 ^(a)Positive assay defined in text.

However differences in CD8⁺ T cell responses between individuals with active TB and LTBI were not statistically different. While strong CD8⁺ T cell responses were observed against many of the antigens tested, it is equally notable that several subjects with strong Mtb directed CD8⁺ T cell responses did not have demonstrable responses to many of the antigens tested.

These ex vivo frequency data demonstrate the presence of high-frequency responses to a number of known Mtb antigens, but do not shed light on the restricting allele, minimal epitope, or dominance hierarchy within the gene of interest. To address this question, limiting dilution cloning of human CD8⁺ T cells using Mtb-infected DC was performed (see Lewinsohn et al., J Immunol 166:439-446, 2001), and panels of both classically and non-classically HLA-restricted CD8⁺ T cell clones were generated. Using peptide pools representing known CD4⁺ antigens, the antigenic specificity of the HLA-Ia restricted clones can be defined in more than half of the clones (Table II).

TABLE II Many CD8⁺ T cell clones recognize known CD4⁺ T cell antigens Antigen # Distinct HLA-Ia Identified # Distinct Epitopes Donor Tb Status Clones (#)^(a) (#)^(b) Antigens (#)^(c) (#)^(d) D431 Active TB 1 0 0 0 D432 Active TB 14 4 2 2 D466 Active TB 11 10 1 2 D571 Active TB 7 7 1 1 D480 Active TB 6 6 1 1 D481 Active TB 11 11 1 1 D426 LTBI 1 0 0 0 D443 LTBI 1 1 1 1 D454 LTBI 2 2 2 2 D504 LTBI 7 1 1 1 Totals 61 42 10 11 ^(a)Number of clones derived from donor. ^(b)Number of clones for which cognate antigen was identified. ^(c)Total number of distinct antigens identifed from the clone set. ^(d)Total number of distinct epitopes identified from the clone set.

This approach is demonstrated in detail for a single representative clone, D466 D6, derived from a subject with active TB. As shown in FIG. 3A, testing the clone against autologous DC pulsed with a panel of peptide pools unambiguously defined the antigenic specificity as CFP10. The clone was then tested against each of the 15-mer peptides that comprise the CFP10 pool, revealing that the epitope was contained within CFP10₁₋₁₅ (FIG. 3B). Each possible 8 aa, 9 aa, 10 aa, and 11 aa peptide was then synthesized and tested for reactivity, revealing antigenic activity between aa 2-11 (FIG. 3C). Similarly, each clone was tested against lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) sharing at least one HLA-type with the donor (FIG. 3D). Autologous LCL and IHW 9058 LCL, which share B4501 and C1601, present the epitope to the clone, identifying both B4501 and C1601 as possible restricting alleles. However, C1601⁺ D433 LCL do not present the epitope, eliminating C1601 as a candidate restricting allele. Therefore D466 D6 is restricted by HLA-B4501. As demonstrated in FIG. 4, by testing each plausible epitope over a broad range of concentrations, the minimal epitope was defined as CFP10₂₋₁₀ for D466 D6. Experimental data supporting the assignment of the minimal epitope is provided for each clone in the supplemental Figure. A summary of the antigenic specificity, minimal epitope, and HLA-restricting allele is presented in Table III. Unexpectedly, all but one of the T cell clones were restricted by HLA-B alleles. Furthermore, a minority of those observed were 9 aa in length.

TABLE III Summary of Epitopes Identified HLA- MHC V Accession Restrict Epitope Epitope Sequence Bind. beta Clone^(a) Gene Number Allele Locat'n (SEQ ID NO: 26-38) #SFU^(b) Aff.^(c) region D160 1-1B^(d) (0) CFP10 Rv3874 B44   2-11 AEMKTDAATL 360 38 D160 1-6F^(d) (0) CFP10 Rv3874 B14  85-94 RADEEQQQAL 120 NA D432 H12 (2) CFP10 Rv3874 B3514  49-58 TAAQAAVVRF 258 2011^(e) 5.3 D466 A10 (10) CFP10 Rv3874 B4501   2-9 AEMKTDAA 2458 48 IND D466 D6 (1) CFP10 Rv3874 B4501   2-12 AEMKTDAATLA 1993 6.2 22 D481 C10 (10) CFP10 Rv3874 B1502  75-83 NIRQAGVQY 1715 14^(f) 9 D481 C11 (1) CFP10 Rv3874 B1502  75-83 NIRQAGVQY 1715 14^(f) 13.6 D480 F6 (6) CFP10 Rv3874 B0801   3-11 EMKTDAATL 387 79 13.1 D571 B12 (3) CFP10 Rv3874 B4402   2-11 AEMKTDAATL 31 38 IND D571 E9 (4) CFP10 Rv3874 B4402   2-11 AEMKTDAATL 31 38 14 D504 E4 (1) Mtb9.8 Rv0287 A0201   3-11 LLDAHIPQL <10 0.39 8 D454 B10 (1) Mtb9.8 Rv0287 B0801  53-61 AAHARFVAA 88 0.22 IND D454 H1-2 (1) Mtb8.4 Rv1174c B1501   5-15 AVINTTCNYGQ 24 10 7.1 D432 A3 (2) Mtb8.4 Rv1174c B3514  32-40 ASPVAQSYL 210 127^(e) 14 D443 H9 (1) Ag85B Rv1886c TBD 144-153 ELPQWLSANR <10 NA 22 ^(a)Number of sister clones is in parentheses. ^(b)#of SFU/250,000 CD8⁺ T cells is shown. ^(c)IC50 in nm is shown. ^(d)Published previously J Immunol. 2001 Jan 1:166(1):439-46. ^(e)Measured binding affinity to B3501 is shown. ^(f)Measured binding affinity to B1501 is shown. NA = Not Available. IND = Indeterminate TBD = To be done.

Because each of the individual CD8⁺ T cell clones were derived based on growth of Mtb-infected DC, it was determined whether or not the antigen and epitopes identified reflected immunodominant epitopes ex vivo. Two independent approaches were pursued, the first to determine if the response was present at high frequency, and the second to determine what proportion of the total response to the antigen is constituted by the epitope. To determine the ex-vivo effector cell frequency, as described in FIG. 1, each epitope was tested using autologous DC and magnetic bead purified CD8⁺ T cells derived from the donor from whom the T cell clones was isolated. A summary of the effector cell frequencies is presented in Table III. For the majority, the epitopes reflect high frequency responses, and thus could be considered a response that has been primed by exposure to Mtb. Notably, T cell clones isolate'd from four donors recognized CFP10. To determine if the epitopes defined reflected a substantial proportion of the total response to the antigen of interest, magnetic bead purified CD8⁺ T cells from three donors with sufficient available peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were tested for reactivity to each individual 15-mer peptide, the peptide pool, and peptide representing the minimal epitope. As is demonstrated in FIG. 5, the ex vivo frequencies to the minimal epitope, 15-mer peptide(s) containing the minimal epitope, and peptide pool were remarkably concordant. These data suggested that for each donor a dominance hierarchy has been clearly established, and is reflected in the original clones. Finally, as is noted in Table III, daughter clones of identical specificity were frequently identified, a result that would be predicted based on an immundominance hierarchy. TCR V beta staining was used to confirm the clonal relationship between daughter clones. Interestingly, in two cases, the identical minimal epitope and HLA-restriction was represented by two distinct clones (Table III).

Because much work on human CD8⁺ T cell responses to Mtb has relied upon the use of HLA-prediction algorithms, as each epitope was defined we asked whether or not the epitopes would have been predicted by these approaches. Many of these epitopes were not ranked strongly. This might highlight the limitations of those algorithms at the time they were used. To address this question experimentally, the IC₅₀ for each peptide that had been synthesized in the course of definition of the minimal epitope was determined against a panel of human HLA molecules. Shown in Table III is the IC₅₀ for the minimal epitope with the cognate restricting allele. The data demonstrated that the T cell epitopes bound avidly to HLA, and show a high degree of concordance between the T cell epitope data and HLA-binding data.

The data demonstrated that CD8⁺ T cell responses are present in persons infected with Mtb at frequencies that are comparable to that seen following many common viral infections such as vaccinia, influenza, and CMV. All but one of the epitopes that were mapped were restricted by HLA-B molecules. The data suggest that by using a T cell driven approach to epitope identification, dominant epitopes can be defined in humans infected with Mtb.

Example 3 Screening of T Cell Clones Against a Genomic Peptide Library

The classically-restricted and non-classically-restricted T cell clones (see Table II above) that did not recognize one of the known Mtb antigen peptide pools (Rv3875, Rv3874, Rv1886c, Rv0287, Rv3763, Rv1174c, Rv1196, Rv1793, Rv2346c, Rv1037c, Rv3619c and Rv1198) were screened against a genomic peptide library. This peptide library represents 389 genes, representing roughly 10% of the Mtb genome. The peptides are 15mers overlapping by 11 for each gene product. 50 nmol of each peptide was synthesized individually and then pooled into 777 pools of 50 peptides in a 96 well format (nine plates). Five blank wells and one well of an irrelevant peptide pool, SIV gag, were included on each of the nine plates. To screen the clones against the genomic peptide library, the clones are first expanded and tested against Mtb-infected DCs to ensure that each clone from this particular expansion yields a robust Mtb-specific signal in the ELISPOT assay. Then up to six T cell clones are pooled. For the screen, T cell clones (5,000 cells/well of each clone), autologous DCs (20,000 cells/well), IL-2 (0.5 ng/ml) and the peptide pools (5 ug/ml, individual peptides) were incubated overnight at 37 C in the ELISPOT assay. Only one technical replicate is done per pool because 5000 T cell clones per well with a peptide antigen produced an overwhelmingly positive response, resulting in a definitive result. Six classical clones from D504 were screened against the genomic peptide library, leading to the discovery of a new epitope. This epitope was from a family of four proteins that includes EsxJ, EsxW, EsxK and EsxP. These proteins share 98% homology and differ at only 3 amino acids. There is a fifth member of this family, EsxM (Rv1792), that was not included in the genomic peptide library.

The clones were screened against the individual fifteen-mers for these peptide pools. All six classical clones recognized EsxJ 21-35. This is a region of EsxJ that is identical to the other four members of this family. Next, 9, 10 and 11mer peptides were made from this 15mer and screened against each clone. The minimal epitope was determined to be EsxJ 24-34. In addition, the HLA restriction was found to be B5701.

Example 4 Additional Screening of T Cell Clones Against a Genomic Peptide Library

Eleven classical clones from D432B were screened against the genomic peptide library described above. The antigen was determined for two clones, which led to the identification of two novel epitopes, PE_PGRS42₄₇₋₅₅ and PE9₅₃₋₆₇. The minimal epitope for one clone was determined to be PE_PGRS42₄₇₋₅₅ and the HLA restriction was found to be B3514. The minimal epitope for the other clone is not yet determined, but is contained in the 15mer PE9₅₃₋₆₇. The HLA restriction for this clone was found to be B3905.

TABLE IV Detail of Novel Epitopes from Genomic Peptide Library Screens. #SFU/ MHC 250,000 Binding TCR V Accession Epitope CD8+ MHC- Affinity beta Clone Gene Number Location Epitope T-cells Restriction (IC50 nm) region D504 EsxJ* Rv1038c 24-34 QTVEDE- 84 B5701 TBD Indeter- F9 (6) SEQ ID NO: 2 ARRMW minate D432 PE9 Rv1088 53-67 RLFNAN- TBD B3905 TBD 8 D8 (1) SEQ ID NO: 7 AEEYHA- LSA D432 PE_PGR Rv2487c 47-55 VSAAIAG- TBD B3514 TBD 7.1 H8 (1) S42 SEQ ID NO: 8 LF Number of clones recognizing epitope from each donor in parentheses. *This is a family of proteins that have almost identical sequences. The family consists of Rv1038c. Rv1197. Rv2347. Rv3620c.

TABLE V Summary of Completed Clone Screens. # classical # Non- # classical clones # Classical Classical # positive # of clones epitope TB available available wells in confirmed # novel epitope NOT Donor Status (screened) (screened) screen hits epitopes identified identified 426 PPD+ 1 (1) 4 (4) 1 0 0 0 1 431 Active 1 (1) 1 (1)  1** 0 0 0 1 432 Active 11 (11) 14 (7)  11  3 2 3 8 454 PPD+ 1* (0)  6 (4) 0 0 0 0 0 466 Active 1 (1) 4 (4) 1 0 0 0 1 504 PPD+ 6 (6) 9 (9) 5 4 1 6 0 21 (20) 38 (29) 18  7 3 9 11 *The classical clone from D454 did not recognize Mtb upon re-expansion and was not screened against library. **The classical clones from 426 and 431 were screened together, so there was one positive well between both clones.

Example 5 Screening of Ex Vivo CD8⁺ T-Cells Against a Genomic Peptide Library

CD8+ T-cells from a LTBI donor, D610 (SE Asian) were screened against the genomic peptide library described above. Each plate of the genomic peptide library was screened in duplicate, for a total of 18 ELISPOT plates per screen. CD8⁺ T-cells were prepared from cryopreserved PBMC by CD8⁺ selection using magnetic bead separations. Resulting cell populations contained ≧96% CD8⁺ T cells. CD8⁺ T cells (250,000 cells/well), autologous DCs (20,000 cells/well), and IL-2 (0.5 ng/ml) were added to peptide (final 5 ug/ml, individual peptides) in the ELISPOT plates. Five media control wells are included on each plate. For each plate, the mean of these five wells was subtracted from each well of that plate to normalize between plates. Each technical replicate on each plate was then scored. A well was scored positive if the spot forming units (SFU), less the mean of the media wells, was greater than or equal to ten and the SFU was greater than or equal to twice the mean of the media. (Hudgens et al., J. Immunol. Methods 288: 19-34, 2004). This donor responded to the four peptide wells containing EsxJ, EsxW, EsxK and EsxP. CD8+ T-cells were then screened against each 15mer from these peptide pools and found to respond only to EsxJ 21-35, the same region of EsxJ, EsxW, EsxK and EsxP that is described in example 3 above.

Seven additional donors were screened against the genomic peptide library. The top 10 responses are detailed in Table 7. The four peptide pools highlighted in yellow contain peptides from only one gene. These four genes contain four novel epitopes.

TABLE 7 Top 10 Responses from Peptide Pool Screens of Seven Donors. Spot Forming Units are for 250,000 CD8+ T-cells. Peptide Average RvNumbers Functional Pool Donor SFU Represented in Wells Category C09_1 D560 208.2 Rv1860(50): cell wall and cell processes C12_4 D545 156.4 Rv0468(27): Rv0456c(23): lipid metabolism A04_3 D454 136 Rv0284(17): Rv0288(11): cell wall and Rv0287(22) cell processes B10_3 D560 112.3 Rv1273c(50): cell wall and cell processes E04_4 D560 78.2 Rv0152c(40): Rv0151c(10): PE/PPE G12_8 D560 77.4 Rv3478(18): Rv3507(32): PE/PPE E07_4 D525 76.8 Rv0159c(50): PE/PPE A10_8 D560 70.4 Rv3136(47): Rv3144c(3): PE/PPE E11_8 D560 66.4 Rv3350c(50): PE/PPE E08_9 D545 60.2 Rv1404(13): Rv2711(37): regulatory proteins

Example 6 Animal Models

In tuberculosis research, the mouse model has been used extensively to model various aspects of the disease. Mice can be infected by a variety of routes, including intravenous, intraperitoneal and tracheal. One route is aerosolization of the organism for respiratory infection. The mice are exposed to the aerosol in a chamber (wither whole body or nose only infection). The dose of invention can be varied by manipulating the concentration of Mtb in the nebulizer or time of exposure. A low dose infection, such as about 50 colony forming units (CFU) via aerosol results in a slow and steady increase in bacterial numbers in the lungs, generally reaching a peak in four weeks, which coincides with the peak number off cells in the lungs. The initial period is considered the acute stage of infection. Following infection, there is a dissemination of bacteria to the mediastinal lymph nodes. T cell priming is generally detectable between two and three weeks. After about four weeks the bacterial numbers stabilize, and there is a slow progressive pathologic response. This system is of use for modeling active infection. Thus, the above-described polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, can be administered prior to infection. The ability of the Mtb polypeptides (or polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides) to prevent infection is then assessed. Alternatively, the mice are administered Mtb, and the ability of the Mtb polypeptide (or polynucleotide encoding these polypeptides) to treat the Mtb infection is monitored. The effectiveness of the Mtb polypeptides (or polynucleotides) can be monitored by measuring the T cell response, such as the number of CD8⁺ or CD4⁺ T cells, and/or measuring the bacterial numbers, and/or evaluating the pathology.

Exemplary protocols are provided below (see also Repique et al., Infec. Immun. 70: 3318-3323, 2002, incorporated herein by reference for an additional protocol):

A. Short Term Mouse Model:

C57BL/6 mice are vaccinated with a composition including one or more Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding these one or more polypeptides. according to the appropriate protocol and then rested for 4 to 6 weeks. Immunized mice are infected with a low dose aerosol 50-100 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis and protection is evaluated by assessing the number of viable bacilli 30 days post challenge.

Viable counts are performed on the lung and spleen of mice by homogenizing the organs and plating serial 10-fold dilutions on 7H11 agar plates. Plates are incubated for up to 21 days and the number of colony forming units per organ determined.

BCG vaccinated mice have approximately 1 Log 10 protection in their lung and spleen when compared to PBS-treated mice

B. Short Term Guinea Pig Model

Out-bred Hartley guinea pigs are vaccinated with a composition including one or more Mtb polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding these one or more polypeptides and then rested for 8 to 10 weeks. Immunized guinea pigs are infected with a low dose aerosol (10-30 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis and protection is evaluated by assessing the number of viable bacilli 30 days post challenge.

Viable counts are performed on the lung and spleen of guinea pigs by homogenizing the organs and plating serial 10-fold dilutions on 7H11 agar plates. Plates are incubated for up to 21 days and the number of colony forming units per organ determined. Lung and spleen segments are also taken for histological analyses.

BCG vaccinated guinea pigs have approximately 2-3 Log₁₀ protection in their lung and spleen when compared to PBS-treated guinea pigs. In addition, BCG vaccinated guinea pigs have well defined granulomas when compared to unvaccinated animals.

C. Long Term Guinea Pig Model

The guinea pig model is similar to the mouse model, but the experiments are open-ended survival type and can last for as long as 2 years. Guinea pigs develop ‘classical’ granulomas similar to humans with active tuberculosis (TB), and as lung tissue necrosis progresses, they begin to lose weight and die of TB similar to humans. The number of colony forming units in the lungs and spleen can be assessed. Histological examination can also be performed to determine the degree of lung involvement and tissue destruction. After low-dose aerosol exposure in the guinea pig the number of organisms increases progressively during the first three weeks and then plateaus into a chronic state. During the later stages of infection there is increased bacterial load in the lung and this is associated with a worsening pathological condition. Without treatment, there is a concomitant rise in both CD4 and CD8 T cells in the lungs of infected guinea pigs.

Out-bred Hartley guinea pigs are vaccinated with the experimental vaccine according to the appropriate protocol and then rested for 8 to 10 weeks. Immunized guinea pigs are then infected with a low dose aerosol (10-30 CFU) of virulent M. tuberculosis. Guinea pigs are weighed weekly and monitored daily for signs of disease (such as increased respiration and failure to thrive). Unvaccinated guinea pigs succumb to infection from 20 to 25 weeks post challenge, while BCG vaccinated guinea pigs survive for 50 to 55 weeks post challenge.

At necropsy, the lung and spleen are assessed for the number of CFU and the extent of pathology. The relative protection of the experimental composition is compared to BCG vaccinated animals.

It will be apparent that the precise details of the methods or compositions described may be varied or modified without departing from the spirit of the described invention. We claim all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the claims below. 

1. A method for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated polypeptide, wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 7; thereby inducing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 7. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 7. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 7 that specifically binds MHC class I.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an adjuvant.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is at risk for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has a latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the isolated polypeptide is covalently linked to a carrier.
 10. A method for treating a subject infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated polypeptide, wherein the isolated polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 7, thereby treating the subject infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the subject infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not have a symptom of tuberculosis.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the isolated polypeptide is covalently linked to a carrier.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an adjuvant.
 14. The method of claim 10, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 7. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the subject is at risk for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the subject has a latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
 17. The method of claim 10, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 7. 18. The method of claim 10, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition consisting of an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:
 7. 